So I am SUPER stoked right now!!! I haven't ran in over a week - and got an itch to just tear it up on the treadmill this morning...I was literally antsy and bouncy at my desk until my first break rolled around. I took it earlier than usual because I just couldn't wait anymore - I *HAD* to run!!! This is what I truly love about running...that random desire to just whoop my own butt!! Its amazing!!!
So I was hesitant to go for a new PR today....I haven't ran in a week and I didn't know what I was going to be capable of. I didn't want to push myself too hard and risk injury, but I wanted to push myself hard because I needed to run. Before I went to the treadmill, I reviewed my last PR run so I would have an idea of what I needed to hit. I also wrote my last time of 8:35 on a Post-It and put it on the treadmill - so I was forced to look at it the entire run.
I pushed myself to start at a nice 7.0 MPH and was good for the first quarter mile. I put on "Human" by The Killers and was totally jamming out. The second quarter mile I started to get my blood moving and I relaxed into the tempo of the run. By the third quarter mile, I was starting to feel the strain of running that fast, but I knew that I still had to pick up my pace if I was going to beat my last time. Halfway through the third quarter mile, I picked up my pace to 7.5 MPH and maintained that for a full quarter mile (still rockin' to The Killers - I put it on repeat since it was a good running song) - then, for the last 2/10 of a mile, I let myself go and topped out at 7.7 MPH! I felt like my legs were going to fall off and my lungs were straining to breathe - but I also felt incredible and accomplished! I finished in 8:23 - that's 12 seconds faster than the last PR I set for myself in July!!
I definitely count that as an accomplishment and am SUPER proud of myself right now! I haven't ran in a week...had no idea what I could do...and STILL shaved off 12 seconds off my fastest time!! I am THRILLED!!!
Zumba class went great last night and weight was still steady at 180lbs this morning (even after eating a 1/4 vegetarian twister burrito for dinner last night!) so I'm happy with that as well! Tonight I have my friend's Bachelorette/Bridal Shower Zumba Party, so that's going to be super awesome! I also just found out that my Big Boss is letting us leave at 830 this morning as a "Happy Holiday Weekend" gift!! Yippee!! I'm sensing a Vampire Diaries marathon is in my future!!! I've got laundry to do as well, so the extra time at home will definitely be appreciated!!
Hope you all have a safe and happy holiday weekend! Lots of love to all of you!!! *hugs*
Total Miles Ran in 2011: 119.96 Miles
Total Calories Burned "Running From My Issues": 17,825 Calories GONE
OMG, I'm so envious of that 8 minute mile!! And so, so proud of you. Your accomplishments motivate me to get moving.
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