July 2, 2010

I wasn't dying to do this run.  I was tired, my tummy hurt and I have this silly painful blister on my right foot.  This is why I left the house at 7 PM even though I got home at 5 pledging to run.

About half-way to the bridge, I got a call from my friend Rich.  He's my fast friend. 



He wanted to run, and I wanted to run with him - but this meant basically adding 3 miles to what I had planned.  I'm glad I did.

For him, this was no doubt an easy run.  For me, it was a chance to push myself.  Plus we were able to discuss the latest articles in Runner's World and talk about our goals for the Marine Corps Marathon.  His goal is to kick ass.  Mine is to finish. 

Having a good running buddy (or more) is priceless.  Over the years, from Berkeley to Fresno to Columbus to Davis and Sacramento and now DC some of my favorite people are those I've spent hours with on trails and treadmills. 

And, yes, we made it to the bridge.

 It's a little hazy because it was pretty late by the time we got there and the sun had mostly fallen behind the trees.

By the Numbers:
Start: 7 PM
Temperature: 79 degrees and falling
Lap 1 (before Rich arrived): 2.53 miles 9:21/mi pace
Lap 2 (with Rich out to the bridge - notice it's faster): 2.79 miles 9:12/mi pace
Lap 3 (return): 2.88 miles 9:13/mi pace
Total: 8.20 Miles
Pace: 9:15/mi (almost a minute faster per mile than last week)

Total mileage for the week: 22
Tues 3, Wed 3, Thurs 8, Fri 8