Okay. So I took your advice and I chose to split my run into 2 segments. The kiddos didn't wake until about 8 am yesterday and even then, they didn't feel inclined to go. So, I decided my run would have to wait until evening.
When we returned home from the museum, I waited around a bit for the heat to subside and for DH to return home from work. When I realized he would be late... I quickly got the kids into the jogger and headed out for a four mile run [err, Pearl Izumi would say I was only jogging because I was pushing the stroller - I beg to differ] with the hope that I could do another 4 after dinner, with or without said stroller.
I returned home long enough to start dinner (I grilled a steak and baked potatoes), knowing full well that DH wanted only PB&J (I wanted steak! The kids ate homemade banana bread during my 4 mile run and weren't hungry anymore). We then went out for our usual family walk around the neighborhood.
When we returned, I threw the kiddos into the bathtub and washed away the dirt of the 1880s (they both chose to go without shoes today and were covered in high desert dirt). DH went out to mow the lawn. When we finished our respective tasks, I immediately went out the door for my second 4 miles hoping DH could manage to get the kiddos into bed.
I elected to bring along my iPod for the 2nd half [again, Pearl Izumi would say I was jogging because I chose to not 'listen to my body & the surroundings' ~ I just wanted to do something out of the ordinary for me]. I chose a route around the neighborhood as it was starting to get dark. I discovered a little butte about 1/2 mile from my front door that is short, but steep.... I ran up it twice. I think, with my route earlier this evening, I definately got my 6 minutes TUT.
I felt I was running so much faster unihibited by the jogger. Each time I would glance at my Garmin, my pace was in the 7 minute range. Cool. During my previous run today with the stroller, I saw the 8-9 minute range more frequently. I thought for sure that I would have a great average in the end.
Alas... it wasn't meant to be.
1st Half w/ Stroller:
4.07 miles / 36:21 / avg 8:56 pace / 409 calories
2nd Half w/o Stroller:
4.03 miles / 35:27 / avg 8:48 pace / 402 calories
Huh!? Had I gone by preceived level of exhaustion alone, I would have guessed I was zooming. Does the Garmin lie or was I that fatigued? Perhaps the iPod really did distract me and give me a false impression. At least it was a negative split.... just not quite as big as I had hoped.
Ummm. I'm sorry. I thought this was a "runner's blog" :-) I know pushing the stroller is a pain, but the extra resistance as to be doing you some good, much like all these hills in my neighborhood. and I still think ur pace is awesome!!
ReplyDeleteOh my - I'm a little thick headed - when I first read your comment I thought this was a 'runner's blog'... I thought to myself, "Do I talk 'off topic' too much?" Then I realized that you were referring to the PI comments. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Wes, for the encouragement. I tend to be a little hard on myself. :)
I'd be thrilled with those times! I'd say it's a hard comparison because it was your first two-a-day. You probably need to do it a few more times, and run the exact same route both times, to get an accurate idea.
ReplyDeleteI read back a few posts and had to laugh at the barefoot thing. Our oldest son goes barefoot everywhere all year round. He's even gone hiking barefoot. And he picks things up with his toes. Pretty weird!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Love the post.. and all those shots at PI :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure about the garmin myself.. 'cause i've had the same feeling that you talk about. But I guess its more right than wrong! Good run though.