Just run

Today---

Strength endurance run of 6 miles on a hilly course (Wa Duke trail) plus 1.2 mile tempo run, ending with 4 x 2min uphill running.

6 miles on Wa Duke trail at an 8:15 ave pace and felt great. Heart rate staying between 166-176 (some hills pushed it to 180).  By mile 5, I had made the decision, despite feeling a little fatigued, to run hard and complete the workout as planned.  If I want Boston, then I have to get Boston...take it...work hard...earn it.  Six weeks of training left, I just need to go all out and go for it.  After reading and re-reading my blog post from June of 2008, I realized that I have been trying to attain this goal off and on for way too long.  It's time to put in the work, the miles, the effort and go for it.

With that, the 1.2 mi tempo run on the hilly trail was completed at a 7:30 pace.  Then a short cool down before starting hill repeats (not my favorite).  The schedule calls for a 2 min up hill run, but today that same two min hill I had used last time was only a 1:48 this time.  Same distance, just covering the distance faster--yes.  Four uphill sprints, and downhill recoveries.  Heart rate still not above 183.  Not sure if that's a good thing or bad, but haven't been able to get the HR higher than 184 on any run.

Cool down and a drive home, feeling satisfied.   Tomorrow is a recovery day. :)