Random Thoughts While Running #2

Yeah, this cute little guy looks sweet enough, but don't be fooled.

He packs a mean punch.

Twice.  I was tempted to yell, "The sky is falling!"

Planned my 8 mile course last night and was so excited to have at it today.  I had just come off of a sweet volunteering experience at Hill House in Pittsburgh where I Hip Hop Ab'd with a few kids, and shared 5 simple exercise and diet tips.  Now, the morning after, I was looking forward to my usual Friday morning run in preparation for a half-marathon in October.

Started strong.  Felt good.  At first.  Here are a few random thoughts that went through my head while I hit the pavement today.

• Hi Sue!
• Ouch.  Acorn.  What the . . . ouch!  Acorn.
• The river is so placid this morning.
• Oh, Jason Mraz, I so love you, but I'm sorry, I can't run with you.  Skip.
• Wow, Prada sunglasses while running.  Ok.  It's a look.
• Oh, it's Marleney!  I love seeing friends along the way.
• Full marathon?  Ever? (pause)  No.  Never.
• Wait.  Who placed that wall in front of me so early into this run?
• Cemetery.  Two laps.  With the scent of McDonald's wafting through the air.  Yuck.
• Justin Timberlake, I have a running crush on you.
• "Been running so long, I've nearly lost all track of time"
• I'm never gonna make it.  What's wrong with me today?
• Am I going to be able to handle the actual race?????
• I must have started out too fast.
• SPRINKLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Wall.  Wall.  Wall.  Wall.
• What I wouldn't give for a P90X Recovery Drink/Aleve chaser right about now.
• I'm going to have to walk the last hill.
• NO, I will NOT walk the last hill.
• OMG, the last hill.
• Done.

Ladies and gentleman, I ran 7 miles last week, and today, my pace was a minute SLOWER than last week.  The pace I ran today would put me at the finish BEHIND my usual half-marathon time, while my pace last week would hand me a personal best.  What gives?

I feel fine, nothing was hurting, no pains in my nooks and crannies, nothing that would point to a reason for struggling through. The legs feel a wee bit fatigued, and did so during the run as well, but not enough to be a "red flag".  I feel drained. 

Post run, I drank TWO portions of recovery drink, a banana, and then went to pick up Zane at school. Perhaps I need to drink more prior to the run?  I don't know. 

All I know is that it started out fun today, and half way in I felt like I wanted to stop.

BUT. I. DIDN'T.