*Pre-Training - 5*

So, I have a few short runs to report and a bit of strength training.  My runs were both 5.12-milers, each run around the University.  The first one I cooked pretty good, averaging 8:09 pace.  I started off quick, then managed to slow down a bit, and then brought it home very quickly.  I have no excuses for my odd behavior.  The second run i ran a nice even pace and felt so smooth and relaxed that I was sure I was going slow.  Nope.  8:22 pace.  Huh.
I also went to lift weights with my son.  We just did upper body stuff - mostly with dumbbells (and a bit of cable work).  Each set was no less than 20-reps and each rep performed quickly (but controlled).  I hadn't done any strength training in quite some time so you can imagine I was sore the next day.  I could barely get my arms above my shoulders to shampoo my head...

* Pre-Training - 4*

Well, I haven't had a chance to post in several days.  I've been a busy guy - all good.  My workouts, unfortunately, have suffered a bit.  I have only managed three runs since I last logged.  The good news is, each of these runs felt really good - it certainly helps that the weather has cooled off a bit.  Run one was a 5.12-miler, executed at 8:18 pace.  That is way faster than I wanted to go so on my next run, 6.11-miles, I ran 8:36 pace.  Hmm.  Still too fast.  I vowed to run the next even slower.  It too, was a 6.11-miler.  My pace?  8:28.  Ha.  What are you going to do?  I must be trying to show off for all of the young people on the campus or something ;)

* Pre-Training - 3 *

Last night I ran 6.11-miles around the University campus and surrounding neighborhoods.  The area is hilly and I really enjoy the campus.  My pace was 8:38 - a little quick for this run, but I felt great so I didn't bother to reel it in.

* Pre-Training 2 *

This past weekend I ran twice.  The first was a 5.16-miler which included a nice combination of hills and flats.  I ran at 8:38 pace and was able to get completely lost in my thoughts.
The second run was my stand-by 5-miler (virtually flat).  My pace for that run was pretty much the same (8:37), but for some reason my legs felt heavy from the start and my breathing was a bit labored.  I eventually calmed down and felt better and was even able to zone out a little.  Good.

*Pre-Training - 1*

Well, I have created my blog page, so I may as well start blogging to it:)
Today at lunch I ran 6.12-miles at 8:48 pace.  This is a bit longer than I have been running (most have only been 5-milers) but I felt very good.  It was cooler than day's past, which helped - but still quite humid.  My run took me up and down the hills of Valparaiso, the likes of which I have come to love over the years.  I look forward to the crisp days of Autumn and to stretching out my mileage along these roads...