I got in a good run this afternoon.  I set out to do a 5.5 mile run that includes a big hill at about the 2.5 mile mark.  It is  a pretty steady climb for about three quarters of a mile and then it really kicks up for another quarter mile or so.  I have never dared to run this hill, but figured I would give it a go.  Anyway, I handled the hill fine and it really didn’t throw off my pace, although I definitely felt it.  Was feeling good and I was inspired, I guess, by an email from O’Sull earlier where he said he ran 9 miles today, so I decided to extend my run to 7 miles.   When I got home and clocked it, it was only 6.75 miles, but still was happy with that, as I have never run that far.  And given that I threw the hill right in the middle, even better.  I might take a day off tomorrow or just go for an easy bike ride.  At some point I have to start swimming again, too.

I didn’t have a ton of time for a workout yesterday, so I decided to do a bike ride, but really try to push the pace.  I ended up doing a 9.3 mile ride, coming in about 7 seconds per mile faster (3:07 per mile) than I have ever clocked before.  So I was happy with that.  I was definitely feeling it though. It is rare that I feel like my cardio is totally being pushed on the bike (usually it’s my legs that feel it), but I definitely felt this one.  Good workout that took less than a half hour, so it was perfect.

So I have gotten in 3 workouts the last 4 days.  After my long run on Monday my foot started to hurt…I figured it would go away and went out to do a 6 mile run Tuesday but only was able to finish 4 miles.  It was a good pace for me so it felt good except my foot was still killing me.  I decided to take Wednesday off.  Yesterday I decided to do more interval training.  I went out for a 2 mile run at a good pace and then ran a 800/400/100/100 sprints.  I wanted to get the 800 meters done in 3:44 and finished a lot quicker then expected at 3:27.  I then ran the 400 right at 2:00 which is what I was shooting for.  A couple 100 yds at 90% maxed out and I was beat.  But my foot was still killing me.

So I decided today to get a 9 mile bike ride in and skip the running.  I may take a few days off and see how it feels.  I am going away for a week and brining my bike so if I can’t run I will get some long bike rides in.  Need to start swimming again…that is my weakest leg.

Too funny, Drisc…I guess I define a solid workout as getting my butt kicked during it and a slow run doesn’t do that. Back in the day, I would have called a slow mile jog a great workout…P90X did this to me, bring it!!

I decided to do the P90X Chest & Back routine instead of the interval/tempo run workout I was initially planning on.  My goal is to do at least one P90X routine a week and seeing that I am heading to NH for the weekend, I figured today was my only opportunity to fit it in. Workout was great, wore the 40lb exercise vest for the first half.

Off to NH, I hope to get one long distance run in over the next two days…

Been a tough week for me as far as working out goes.  On the road and just haven’t had a chance to get in a  workout at night and in the morning have not been able to get out of bed.  So, I basically forced myself to get up and workout this morning and I am glad I did.

The treadmills at the hotel are decent and it was dark when I got up, so I just ran inside.  It’s only been three days since my last run, but it still took a bit to get warmed up.  I did a 3.25 mile jog at a comfortable pace followed by .25 mile intervals.  For the interval work I did .25 miles at 6:30-6:50 mile pace and then would rest for .25 miles.  Towards the end, I shortened up the rest so that I could get in an extra interval.  I ended up doing two miles total of intervals, with 1.25 of it at the picked up pace.  All and all a good workout.

On another note, in regards to the FFB’s comment the other day that his 6-mile run was like a rest day and a waste of his time…..I think he’s now officially out of control!  That’s why he’s our leader.