Sunday, 12/20/2015 to Saturday, 12/26/2015

I ran 3 times this week, 39.38 miles

Sunday, 12/20/2015: 13.1 miles, 1:49:58, 8:24 pace, 36F, 51% RH, 10 mph SW wind, wind chill 28F, sunny

I needed a long run so I made up another half route that is a keeper.


It was a bit cold so I put on my CW-X tights, a short sleeve tech, Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve tech, Brooks beanie and heavy running. I carried my 20 ounce water bottle and a HammerGel. I set out and just cruised. I didn't take my HammerGel and paid the price with a bonk at mile 11. My splits were: 8:09, 8:10,, 8:12, 8:03, 8:19, 8:08, 8:04, 8:25, 8:36, 8:01, 8:38, 8:55, 9:23, 8:24 over the last 0.1 mile.

Coffee and a recliner soon ensued. I watched the Buffalo Bills lose their last "must win game to even have a prayer at the playoffs" against the . I turned it off when the score got to 3-28. The Bills lost 25-35, link here


Monday, 12/21/2015: Usual rest day after a long run

Tuesday, 12/22/2015: Blah day

I really should have run but I was exhausted from walking so much at work. I ate leftover ribs and potato chips for supper ... kind of yummy.

Wednesday, 12/23/2015: 13.1 miles, 1:50:18, 8:25 pace, 57F, 88% RH, 10 mph SE wind, overcast

Garmin Connect Activity for An evening half

I needed to run so I did. I wore my reflective vest along with my Black Diamond headlamp. I struck up a strong pace for the first 5 miles. I had to stop to take a pebble out of my left shoe at mile 5.5 and I took a HammerGel at mile 8. I felt good the whole way. I felt like I killed this run and was surprised when I saw a 1:50:18. My splits tell the story: 8:05, 8:06, 8:05, 8:02, 8:19, 8:14, 8:30, 9:11, 8:53, 8:22, 8:17, 8:34, 8:50 and 8:20 over the last 0.1 mile. I felt like I was running fast during mile 8 onward bur really wasn't. Maybe another HammerGel at mile 10 would have helped or maybe spacing them differently. Something to think about. A run on December 23rd wearing shorts and a short sleeve tech ... gotta love the El Nino weather!

Thursday, 12/24/2015: Rest day.

Friday, 12/25/2015: Merry Christmas

I felt like of "blah" all day. I waited to feel kind of better but didn't so I just stayed in all day. I wanted to get out for a Christmas run but just couldn't. I wanted to get down to Newark, Farmington and Scottsville to see my kids but I put if off. I didn't get out my Christmas cards for the second straight year.

Saturday, 12/26/2015: 13.18 miles, 1:51:08, 8:26 pace, 34F, 86% RH, calm, overcast

Garmin Connect Activity for A seasonal half

I continued trying to get to 100 miles for December (73.15 and counting with 6 days to go) by getting out for my third half marathon of the week. It's kind of nice to be in the running shape to be able to do that. The Winter Warrior Half is on 1/9/16 so I think I am in good shape for it. Anyway, I got up, out and set up a nice and easy pace. I had a HammerGel just after mile 8 My splits were: 8:20, 8:16, 8:15, 8:19, 8:26, 8:21, 8:28, 8:21, 9:58, 8:18, 8:6, 8:19, 8:17 and 7:53 over the last 0.18 mile. It's all about being comfortable with the pace during the run.

Christine and I went down to Newark and Farmington to see my oldest son, Michael, and my daughter, Karen. We took Michael out to eat at Parker's and saw Karen in her apartment. Then we dared to go post-Christmas shopping at Eastview Mall. I wanted to buy my darling Christine a new winter coat. We started at Macy's, then made our way JC Penney, then Lord and Taylor and finally Von Maur. We were very impressed with the atmosphere at Von Maur. There was guy playing piano! We got a very nice long coat at Von Naur on sale. I must say I was not impressed with the majority of women's coats. I am not a fan of the "puffer" coats.