Sun 12/13 - double 1:45 including 5k road race

AM - 45 minutes incl. 5k road race. Back end of my ill-advised weekend 5k double. Expectations were diminished as a result and when I got to the starting line and scoped out the competition I knew straight away I'd be running for second place anyway. For the third time in a week I passed through the 2 mile mark of a 3 mile/5k in just under 10:50, unlike yesterday there was nothing to run for so I did only what was required to hold on to my spot over the final net uphill last mile. It could have gone a lot worse though.

PM - 60 minutes very easy, Cutler Park/Charles River reservation. The CH suggested we check out this spot on the way home from West Roxbury, well worth the stop as I'd never seen the place before. Varied terrain but mostly flat, particularly around Cutler. Quite hungry by the end as it took a bit longer than expected but still worth the while.

Sat 12/12 - double, 90 minutes total

AM - 45 minutes incl. 3 mile road race. In what was in hindsight quite the ill-advised move, I was unable to resist the lure of a race that passed right through the middle of town on roads that I cover frequently during daily training runs. Having been unable to do the September  race in town the past couple years thanks to coaching this was the big opportunity for hometown glory. Hoping that I could sandbag an easy win but all it takes is one to ruin that and of course that one random guy showed up. Gave up on keeping up with him after about 800m or so, then noticed the pace sagging up front soon after the mile and got it in my head that I could sneak back into it. Spent the middle to late portions of the race closing the gap, getting in position to make a move at the end, but when the finish line came in sight off Nason Road we made our respective moves and I knew instantly mine was lacking. In the end did a lot of unnecessary work to finish a close second which was pretty dumb in light of tomorrow's racing plans. Of course, since neither of us showed up in the official results I suppose it never happened anyway. The mile mark passed by unnoticed, but 2 miles passed by in just under 10:50 or exactly what it was last Sunday. Given this course isn't nearly as flat as that one and I was trying to hold something back I was pleasantly surprised. Overall time something over 16 minutes, how much I don't know as I cleared the watch and expected to see my official time later on in the results. Which it isn't. Short cooldown before having lunch and then a wandering walk around downtown. Spectacularly nice weather for this time of year, warm and sunny.

PM - 45 minutes easy, Rockland Ave to Silver Hill back through Levittown. Unexpected bonus run with the CH that I couldn't pass up. Mellow jog with a break to check out Silver Hill. A nice time all around.

Fri 12/11 - PM 55 minutes easy

Area 51. Some progress over yesterday, a little bit anyway. Not saying much given how abysmal yesterday's run felt. Not as tired and flat at least.

Thu 12/10 - PM 40 minutes very easy

Putter around Maynard that got slower and slower. While I wasn't expecting fireworks, the degree to which I was dragging was disturbing. Absolutely no energy at all. Presence of the CH made things better although I was feeling like a boat anchor for much of the time.

Wed 12/9 - PM 60 minutes incl. 2(4x800)

Longer repeats than the last few visits to the track. 200 meter float/"roll-on" recoveries, the quicker pace of which I'm finding makes for a bit of a challenge but not insurmountable. Aiming for 10k pace (hopefully). Didn't check the watch during each set, I could sense things nudging toward out of hand at the end of set 1. Dialed it back just a bit on the second set as a result. Somewhat telling that the two slowest recovery intervals were the last two. Splits:

2:47.9/48.7
2:47.7/47.1
2:46.0/47.5
2:45.6/47.0

4.5R

2:47.4/47.8
2:48.1/48.2
2:48.4/50.1
2:47.6/49.3

Unlike previous sessions on the track recently, there was actually some wind this evening but not enough to be more than a minor hassle. Overall, the mild and agreeable conditions continue. 

Tue 12/8 - PM 50 minutes easy

Area 51. Hoping to feel better than I in fact did. Late start, again, led to a run that was a bit less than I had wanted.

Mon 12/7 - PM 80 minutes easy

Area 51. After so many days not breaking the magic 60 minute barrier in training it was somewhat gratifying to be able to do so, even if it was at a putter. Typically sore in the typical places after yesterday.