Faster, Faster

Last night was the big group run. Of course, a large herd of the fast-skinnies were there. They always are. My training group numbered 10 or so. The training plan called for 7 miles. We all knew that and we talked about it briefly.

Then, John came to chat with us and give us instructions. "It's 6 miles tonight, right?" We all stood silently. He continued,"Six miles is through the park, up to Lake Brandt and back, cool?" We all nodded eagerly.

Maybe it's the fatigue from 15 or 16 miles on Saturday, maybe it's fatugue after a long day at work on Thursday, maybe it's fatigue from a long week at work. Whatever the case, we all felt it and we collectively enjoyed the sneaky little shortcut.

As it was only six miles, I decided to push it a little. I finished in 73 minutes. I hoped to be faster. I kept saying it to myself, "Faster, faster, faster." And, though I was staying steady, I probably could have pushed a little harder. It was also the first run in the new shoes. They're going to need some tweaking. Maybe different socks, different laces, who knows...

Next up, is a 10 miler this weekend. Next weekend, I'll run the Salem Lakes 30K, instead of the 18 mile training run. My fingers are crossed for a finish within the 4 hour limit.

Only 50 days til City of Oaks!