Feeling More Focused

I struggled to find my focus early this year. I didn't have a specific goal in mind. I was still running because I Love it, but I wasn't 'training' and I wasn't running on any particular schedule. Over the past week, I've been getting back into more purposeful running and I'm starting to feel more focused again.

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Registering for the Hospital Hill Half was a big step because it gave me a specific race to think about.

I think it helped that I started blogging again. It gives me more direction to have things laid out in writing. And I think it helps with accountability.

I think it also helped to prepare some training schedules for friends during the past week or so. Even though I'm not the one running the races these schedules are for, working on them got me back in the training mindset.

After an afternoon of organizing the house to make it more baby-ready, I went for a Long Run that was a great way to unwind. But it was also the first Long Run I've done in a while that felt like a training run. I made more of an effort to push my pace a little and I caught myself thinking about my upcoming half marathon several times.

I ran 8 miles today and it was obvious I was a little rusty. I didn't really feel comfortable until about 4 miles into the run. After that, I settled down and everything felt smoother but my perceived effort is still off. I felt like I was moving at a really fast clip later in the run but my watch kept me grounded in reality. Which is fine... I can't instantly return to top shape... all in good time.

Sunday
Goal For The Day: Long Run.
Distance: 8.26 Miles.
Time: 57:18. 6:56 Avg. (6:54, 6:33, 6:47, 6:44, 6:51, 7:04, 6:53, 7:34, 1:55*).
Route: To Rte 66/1 Lap/Home.
Conditions: 58 degrees. 3:56PM.
Run Details On Garmin

Notes: The entire run to Rte 66 felt a little awkward. I'm happy with the pace, but I was constantly thinking about my stride and how my feet were landing. By the time I left the park to go home, I felt more settled and by miles 5 and 6, I thought I was really moving but my pace was actually slowing. The 7:04 definitely felt faster than that. I'm okay with the 7:34 since it includes the hill on Central and the Days Inn hill, but I would be thrilled if those hills didn't slow me down so much. Of course, the hill on Central is also responsible for the 6:33 I ran in Mile 2, so I guess it balances out.

Daily Miles: 8.26 Miles.
2012 Totals:
  Run - 280.54 Miles.
  Bike - 0.00 Miles.
  Swim - 6,550 meters.