Fri 11/9 - PM 65 minutes

Brookline to downtown and back, in three distinct parts with breaks interspersed. 30 minutes, then 20 or so, then 15. Pace on the first two segments was borderline hammerfest, last bit was slower and more measured. Calf continues to be just a little bit off, but enough to put me in a downcast frame of mind. It takes so little to tweak it and then it's off forever it seems.

Thu 11/8 - 70 minutes easy

Area 51. What passes for a longish run in the current fatigued state. Started slow, eventually moving a little bit better in the last 15 minutes or so. Calf tweaked from wearing different shoes to work, very frustrating. Weather dismal but not nearly as bad as yesterday thank goodness.

Wed 11/7 - off

Planning for a few days now to take a zero today, in light of underlying fatigue. The forecast of stormy weather, which came to pass in spades, didn't dissuade me. Gusty winds with blowing snow made the decision an easy one.

Tue 11/6 - PM 55 minutes easy

Area 51. Had some difficulty getting out the door. Not adjusting well to the chilly conditions and tired as well, of course. Started slow and gradually felt a little better as the run went along. Still not exactly flying at any point. I had thought about doing something on the track since the next two days look exceedingly poor from a weather standpoint, but between the cold temps I haven't adjusted to and the underlying fatigue it was a no-brainer to go with active recovery instead.

Mon 11/5 - PM 50 minutes easy

Area 51. Got a late start, feeling pooped as per usual, cut the length of the run short. This will likely be a common theme for a week or two. Surprisingly uncomfortable conditions, cold temps with enough wind for there to be a wind chill that had me doubling back to put on more clothes before I got too far from the doorstep. Calf is tight, still paying for wearing the wrong shoes to work (not the run mind you) on Friday.

Sun 11/4 - AM 50 minutes incl. 5k road race

Flat and dull, not unexpectedly. Spent the "extra hour" from setting the clocks back sleeping in, and then some. Once I got to the race site, not feeling much in the way of motivation to warm up. A stiff wind didn't help much on that count. Spent the entire race in second place. Any chance of winning was over pretty much instantly, although I kept the delusion alive for 800m or so before turning my focus to what was behind instead of what was in front. Seemed like the next guy was closer than I would have liked, found at the turnaround that I had about 25 seconds cushion. Spent the second, downhill half of the course playing keep away. The last 800 I eased back in stages until it was more of a steady pace. In hindsight I could have shut it down sooner but who cares. Mile splits were 5:15, 5:45 and 5:30ish. Given the wind was as usual in our faces most of the first half, these splits don't quite reflect how much more effort I put into the front end. Calf was somewhat tight warming up, didn't bother me much while racing or cooling down but remains stiff. As obnoxious as the out and back, up then down course is this event has grown on me. Cooldown was on the short side.

Sat 11/3 - double, 80 minutes total

AM - 25 minutes easy. Pre-breakfast shakeout. Right calf tight and stiff. Still, feeling better overall than yesterday.

PM - 55 minutes easy, Lincoln woods. Against my better judgment, I gave hill drills a try and happily it went well. Both calves tight but I didn't strain anything and got some resistance work in. Napped away much of the afternoon, feeling quite flat and tired.