It's a very slow process - two steps forward, one step back - but I'm inching in the right direction. - Rob Reiner

April 02, 2011

Signs of Spring and a new PR?

Ahhhhh......signs of Spring are everywhere.  Today was AWESOME.  It was in the Mid 70s and sunny almost all day.  I had a 7 mile "long" training run today and it was about 50 degrees when I started, the temps warmed up quickly and my long sleeve shirt was a little too hot by the time I was done.  But all in all, I had a GREAT run and set a new 5K PR.  Now it's not an official PR because it wasn't in a race, but the first 3.1 miles of my run this morning were at 34:05 - that's an overall pace of 10:58.  My best race pace for a 5K is 11:16, with a time of 34:58.  Shaving off 53 seconds may not seem like a big deal, but I was super happy about it!!  I know it's not technically a PR, but I am "unofficially" counting it as one.

To tell the truth, I probably definitely went out way too fast those first few miles.  I honestly wasn't trying to go so fast (fast for me - I know this is insanely slow for most of you) , it just kind of happened.  I was trying to focus on my form and just stay really relaxed and loose and next thing I know I looked down and had done a 10:48 mile in my second mile.  After I saw that, I have to admit I was motivated to try a little harder, and just see what that 5K time might look like.  I definitely slowed down a bit for the final 4 miles, but still ended with an overall pace of 11:25 - 1 second faster per mile than last week's 6 mile run.  I feel like I am starting to improve somewhat in my running.....so I need to be very careful not to get re-injured.  That's usually seems to be what happens to me every time I make some gains.

So other signs of Spring besides this gorgeous weather:


My first pedicure of the season (sorry if feet gross you out)



My Weeping Cherry tree is starting to bloom

And Jack is one very Happy Dog!  He got to go on not 1, but 2 walks today and spend some playtime in the backyard.

Having so much fun!



Just Chillin'


Huh.....go back inside...why would we do that?


And tomorrow - Jim and I are heading to the stadium to see our first baseball game of the season.  Go Royals!



22 comments:

  1. YEAH!! AWESOME!!! Congratulations on your 5K PR!!! (And, I do consider that a REAL PR!) And, not only did you PR, but then you pushed through 4 more miles afterward. That's really great and you should be proud.

    Nice pedi! I could so use one of those...Your weeping cherry is so pretty. My daughter was just saying today that she wished we had a flowering tree in our yard.

    Your tomorrow sounds PERFECT! It's going to be a great day to be at The K! Have fun ( :

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wasn't today awesome! I actually got out for my first outdoor ride of the season! Woohoo!
    Congrats on your "unofficial" 5k PR! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so jealous of your awesome weather. Great job getting a PR. It may not be a race, but that means you'll PR next race for sure! cute pedicure :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. 53 seconds is awesome! Congrats on your PR!!
    I guess I better get busy with a pedicure so no one has to see my crusty feet. Or foot.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love the toes! :)

    Congrats on the improvment! You know your just like me you have to keep posting how "slow" you are...I think we need to stop that....not everyone can run 6 minute miles right? I think we just need to be proud of our times and the heck with it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mid 70s and Sunny - That almost sounds like summer to me.

    Good job on the run!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congrats on the PR that is awesome. I love the Cherry tree it is beautiful. I have some Pear trees I keep watching. I just love seeing everything blooming this time of year.

    ReplyDelete
  8. 70s YAY! Love your toes. I really want to have cute toes for the summer but I have a nasty black toenail that I am just wishing would fall off...gross. Don't think cute toes are in store for me this summer. :o(

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love the pedi - I need one desperately. I didn't even bother trying to get the dirt out from under my toenails yesterday. ick.

    I love the cherry tree - so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your weather looks great. Nice job on improving your time!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congrats on your time! And, just think, if you knew you were going to be finished at 5k, you might have even gone a bit faster. I'm jealous of your weather!

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you can go that fast on a TRAINING run, you are going to SLAY your next 5k!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congrats on your PR!

    Jonathan and I are so excited about baseball season. We haven't decided if we're going to the Astros opening day because tickets are so expensive but we both love the Astros!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bring it on! Glad you got to get out and enjoy all that the season has to offer!

    ReplyDelete
  15. A PR is a Pr, whether it's at a race or on your own! Way to go Michael!
    As I told your husband, you better watch out for my beloved Twins!

    ReplyDelete
  16. happy spring! love the pedicure, i never know what to 'order' when i go in the nail salon. congrats on your pr! i always go out too fast... i don't know if i'll ever learn!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The good thing about slow times is there is lots of potiential for PRs.

    We have a Weeping Cherry tree just like yours, but not as pretty since it's smaller. Ours is blooming too.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Woo hoo! Congrats on the faster-than-planned run!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Way To Go!!! I know exactly what you mean by having PR outside of a race! My Half PR was on a training run. Seems like everytime I race something goes wrong. Oh well. I don't let it bother me anymore. It's not like I'm making money! HAHAHA!

    We had great weather here too yesterday! Makes such a difference! All smiles! Today the thunderstorms set in! Yuck.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Congrats on the PR!!!

    And jack is a handsome dog

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congrats on your time! I totally know what you mean - I feel so slow compared to most other runners out there, but when I look down at my watch on my training runs and I find myself going even a little faster than I think I can - it's such a great feeling, I think "I am actually improving, getting stronger and faster - and there is the proof."

    Hooray for spring weather (it's taken long enough to get here). Love the toes, I'm looking forward to my first pedicure next week.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love the pedi and the puppy! Dog pics never get old :)

    oh and yes, the 5K PR totally counts!

    ReplyDelete