Sort Of Like A Dream? No. Better.

AM: Session, 2x3 Miles, 1 Min Rec, 15:16, 15:10 On Coogan Loop

Running today was very satisfying. I harbored intentions of going inside on the T-Mill since we were scheduled to have ice rain and snow. The day kicked off with some rain and looked like it was going to be a wash, however at about 9:30 it stopped and cleared up. I respect the weather services but sometimes they get it so wrong it defies belief. No wind, nice air temps, and certainly nothing that resembled rain or snow. I warmed up to the sound of Portishead before selecting 6 very uplifting and melodic techno tracks from artists like Gui Borratto and Milton Jackson to accompany me during my 3 mile efforts.

My first rep was nice and controlled, 5:01, 5:09, 5:06. I purposely slowed down on mile two since I knew I could not maintain the pace of the first mile. After the brief but very effective one minute break I got going again. 5:02, 5:05, 5:03 were the splits. I was so tempted to kick it in on the last mile down Elmgrove but a tempo is supposed to be exactly that. In the old days I'd finish tempo runs and be on my hands and knees. Today I stopped wanted to do more. A wonderful feeling.

Another wonderful feeling is listening to David Byrne and Brian Eno - Strange Overtones I got this from the pitchfork media top 100 songs of 2008 list. The list is fantastic because every track is available to listen to and there are a few MP3's linked such as the one above. If you are a fan of music its worth checking out.

I'm not going to lie, my leg is sore. I can't quite figure it out. I felt effortless on my run today but now it feels like my femur is crumbling. I know its either my IT band or something related because it is a very addicting pain when I rub it with my fist. I am going to try an ignore it and keep things business as usual. These are the pains associated with not running a step for 6 months.

My Yoga class tonight was a challenge. The whole concept of Yoga is suspending the mind and being at one with the breath, not loosing focus. But I could not take my mind off my pain and since I am truly excited about my run today I had all manner of thoughts rushing around my head. Despite all this the class was great and I got a wonderful stretch in. I kept repeating the conversation piece from an Air France track. Sort of like a dream? No. Better. Its a small girl asking the question and a small boy responding. I equate this to my session today. Was it sort of like a dream? No, It was better. I did not think I would feel this easy running these reps in training so soon. I am way ahead of where I'd been during past years coming off injury. In 2005 I managed to run 28:43 for 10k in the spring. In the fall of 2004 I was not running and during the winter I was trying to get fit. I could not have done todays effort. Now, I know I was younger but I feel great so why can't I get back below 29 minutes for 10k in the spring of 2009.
My band of the evening is Air France. The track "Collapsing At Your Doorstep" is the one I was referring to and the inspiration for the title. This group is new to me. I know they are a Swedish duo and I know I like what I hear. Its poppy, upbeat, and puts a smile on my face. Just what I need right now. Good day, and one more important step towards 2009..............

Peace and Love

Kelrock