Another great BBK run. Three mile warm-up then a re-group to hear the workout. They had an 8 mile tempo on the docket. Foot was feeling better, but I didn't want to push my luck, so I opted out. There was only one problem. I was the only 'slow' one there today. Luckily Aaron said he wasn't doing tempo so we just plodded along at a good clip, but we got to the top of the S curve on the trail behind the pool and he chickened out. Okay, so his Achilles has been bothering him and he didn't want to have to run back up. I decided to brave the last mile and then turn around by my lonesome. YIKES! I think I am a big pansy. I didn't like running on the parkway before dawn alone. Then one of the fast guys from group came tearing around a corner of a bridge and nearly made me scream. The last of the group was only about .3 in front of me (.15 to my turn around), but I decided to just hang with myself anyway - I was feeling a little braver. I didn't realize that my pace was increasing or that I was pushing a decent tempo until about 1/2 mile from the finish. Made me feel good to see some decent splits when I thought my effort was remaining consistent out and back. I could tell I was a little faster, but I didn't think it was THAT big of a difference. Feels good to be able to hit sub 8's and not blink an eye. I remember just a few weeks ago doing an 8:15 tempo for 6 miles just about killed me. When I got back to the park everyone had taken off- yup, days like this it is VERY apparent I am the slowest one of the group. Missed having company, but I think I push myself harder when I'm alone and don't have anyone to talk to. Chad was still hanging around, so I roped him into a mile cool down. I love it when an 8:48 pace is a good cool down! :) Came home and got kiddos ready for picture day at school then went to the gym for yoga. Man am I gonna miss it! I'll have to remember how to do it and do my own class at the rec center next month. Foot is still doing relatively well. Better than yesterday even. I must be doing something right! I'm excited that I have the tri with my daughter Saturday so that I don't feel like I have to put a ton of miles on my foot and can give it a bit of a break. AP: 8:44 splits: 9:35, 9:27, 8:57, (tempo-) 8:52, 9:15, 8:57, (alone-) 8:35, 8:42 (huge hill UP), 8:05, 7:52, 7:47, (cool down-) 8:48.
| 
