Back in Form

Yesterday's long run was great. I pumped up the tires in the jogger and headed out with the kiddos around 10 a.m. (DH was flying RC planes with his buddies). My only expectation or goal for the day was to cover 10 miles. My focus now is stamina... not pace.

As I wasn't really looking forward to the run I decided to bring my cell phone along and give my mom a call. I put her on speaker phone and it worked great! She could hear me fine and could hear the kiddos on the occasion they interjected their thoughts. Only one time, I hit a bump and the phone bounced out. I ended up talking with her for nearly 5 miles and it certainly took my mind off the run. :)

The return route involved a 1 mile long hill - not very steep but certainly takes effort with the jogger. We stopped at the park just as we got underway on this hill (I had promised the kiddos we could stop so they could play - of the 4 parks we pass on our route - this was the one they wanted) for about 15 minutes. I used the time to rehydrate. I should have brought a gel along but had forgotten so I called my mother-in-law instead. :)

We arrived home about 2 hours after we had departed. We had a couple brief stops (to play at the park, to retrieve the cell phone, to watch a squirrel, etc.) and I stopped my watch on each occassion. Therefore, my average pace was 10:19. I'm very pleased with that considering the funk I've been in with my hip.

OH!!! My hip didn't make a peep - I felt strong the entire way! Yippee! I feel I'm back in form. Just in time too, as CIM is just 12 weeks away. I can't keep taking it easy. :)

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My swim today was awesome! I arrived with time enough to do a 400 m warmup: 2x (100m free, 50m back, 50m breast). Then I got started on the day's plan (Coach Bob is still on vacation so his plan is posted on the cabinet): 2x (400m, 300m, 200m, 100m). I didn't have the time to do the last 100m but I figured 2300m for the day was awesome in itself. :)

Now I just need to be sure to do my tempo and speedwork this week. It is a busy week (Sweetie's birthday party, Homeschool Co-op Potluck, Chamber dinner, Karate, 1880 volunteer obligation, etc.) so I'll have to stay focused.