friday speed work?

OK, so I got out today in the beautiful weather for a "gentle" jaunt around the 1.2 mile loop here at work. Mainly I wanted to get out to test my old shoes and see how they felt on my feet while running. But also... ummm have you looked out the window? It's sunny, generally clear skies and pushing 80. What more reason could you need to get outside? So here's what happened.

I found a stop watch on my blackberry and decided to time myself. I know I run faster when I am by myself, but I just didn't know by how much. When I'm running by myself I'm much more winded, and that's why I suspect a faster pace. I strapped on my old shoes, which I could instantly tell provided more support in my arches, and got to it. My feet were pretty comfortable throughout the run, but I was aware of my left arch as it was cushioned by the shoe. My breathing was rough setting out. It made me think that I should have a warmed up before I started my jaunt. It calmed down about .5mi in though. It was a bit windy in the back half of the loop and I got a dry mouth. Not much else to mention, except I knew I was running faster than normal by the rate I was breathing. The trail map says it's a 1.2 mile loop, and I crossed the line in..... drum roll (cause this is ridiculous) 8:38. By my math, that's a 7:20 mile!! I was winded, to be sure, and there is no way I could keep that pace for even another mile, but I was surprised. Especially when I took my first look rounding the last corner and it said 7:30. I walked another mile or so to relax and get some more time in with the old shoes. I guess I should learn to pace myself better if I am going to run on my own.

I'm not sure what to expect from my feet after the run. Right now, I can bearly notice any pain at all. That's good. Sounds like I should get some new shoes ASAP and keep going. only a few more days, and it will be 5 weeks till Greece! (weighed in at 208 today pre-shower)