Alrighty boys and girls! Today’s run features a whopping 8 miler at a 12:30 min/mile pace. At least that was my goal for the day =)

Today’s run didn’t feel as good as last week’s long run. In fact, I really wanted to quit during the 3rd mile (as you can see from my dismal 13:17 time). My legs were still feeling a bit tight from the strength training. My arms were in the worst condition. They’re extremely sore and caused my shoulders to tense as I ran.

The thought of walking back home and taking a nice, cold shower was dangling in front of me like a juicy carrot. But then I also started thinking about how going back home would mean I would have to try to do the 8 miler either tomorrow or the day after, and how that would push my schedule off track. I also thought about how I wouldn’t be able to put a happy face sticker on my calender for today’s run.

So, I gritted my teeth and I decided to go for it. At the very least I wanted to do 7 miles…

but as you can see below, I hit all 8 =D Even though it wasn’t the greatest run (time-wise), I’m so incredibly happy I did it!

Split 1: 12:36
Split 2: 12:20
Split 3: 13:17
Split 4: 12:01
Split 5: 12:36
Split 6: 13:16
Split 7: 13:33
Split 8: 13:05
Total: 01:42:44

Average Pace: 12:50 (yes!!!! It’s below 13 minutes! But still over my 12:30 goal. boo)

Shoes: Asics Nimbus

Total Distance: 4.58 (including warm up and cool down)
Total Workout Time: 01:55:00

Calories Burned: 987 (wowzers!)

Week 5 will be a tough training week for me. Wednesday features 3×1600m sprints. Friday showcases a 5 mile tempo (soooo not looking forward to this). And finally, this Sunday I have to do a 9 mile long run. I definitely feel more confident about the 9 miles. But the speedwork and the tempo run?

I’m scurrrrrrrrrred!