Two for one

I have now missed blogging after two runs so I will do my best to get caught up here. Both of these runs were somewhat similar as we finally got some nice weather this spring. I ran my Saturday run in the afternoon and it was actually HOT! Seems like forever (well since the Seattle half) that I have actually felt too warm on a run. The sun was almost directly overhead and I got no shade (plus the trees haven't leafed out yet. Other than the heat and realizing I need to start bringing water with me again, the run was awesome. It felt really great to have the sweat just pour out of me again, loved it. I ended up doing a longer run than usual at 6.5 miles. After my run I guzzled a huge glass (actually I drank it somewhat sow) of electrolyte replacement drink, well ER soda anyway (powerade).

Yesterday was a banner day for my running. It was warm, but only getting there as I went out somewhat early. I brought my Ipod for the run. I am always amazed at the affect music has on my running over just listening to the radio (which I have been doing a lot of lately). I choose a type of music called donk, which is an extremely fast-paced blend of reggae, rav and rap that is popular in England. The beat is pretty consistent throughout and almost perfectly set to a fast running pace. If I slowed down and got off beat, I would quickly find myself back on the beat and my body would naturally try to keep up. I listened to it for about four miles before I decided I needed to go slower and listen to something mellower. The pace felt great and even though I slowed down for the last half, I broke a nine minute mile pace for the first time since I recalibrated my watch. I ended up doing a nearly 8 mile run too, so fast and long. It felt awesome and I feel like I am getting back to a point where I can start improving on my running again beyond the "getting back into it" improvement. For the first time in a long while I have been thinking about going to the track and doing speed work, we'll see but I should be doing it soon!