Another Week of Training

The day following the 5K race I went out for a "long run"

5.21 miles
42:56
8:14 pace

Then flew to Pittsburg for the week on Monday.

I was able to run Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:

Tuesday:
4.08 miles
35:33
8:42 pace

Wednesday:
3.02 miles
24:11
8:00 pace

Thursday:
4.10 Miles
35:28
8:38 pace

Friday:
3.03 miles
24:33
8:06 pace

I was pleased with myself for getting the running in but except for Wednesday I really didn't feel very good during any of these runs.  Not sure if it was eating out every day due to being on the road or the stresses of travel or what.  Friday's 8:06 pace was buoyed by a 7:10 last mile which I achieved during some last mile fartlek work inspired by the fact that I really just wanted to run to end.

After flying home Friday, I took Saturday off.  Then went for a long run Sunday:

8.23 Miles
1:06:58
8:08 pace

The goal for the run was steady state effort at a comfortable pace.  The run started off really good...  I ran 8:12, 7:59, 8:09 for the first 3 miles. Then lagged the 4th mile, 8:22, picked it back up the 5th mile 8:12, lagged the 6th mile 8:27, then picked it back up for the 7th and 8th, 8:07, 7:56.  Kind of a strange run.  I was struggling those 4th and 6th miles but really felt pretty good for all the other miles.
I've also been struggling to extend my long run.  I kind of intended to run 10 miles but the crappy 6th mile made me decide to cut it to 8.  I had sort of wanted to run a half marathon in a couple weeks if I felt good enough but now I'm resigned to save that for the spring and just work on slowly building up my base in an effort to not get hurt this go around.

Monday I X-trained
1 hour on the bike, 661 calories burnt

Today (Tuesday), I ran:

4.05 miles
31:50
7:51 pace

Felt good the whole run, 8:14, 8:00, 8:00 and a 7:13 final mile...

Overall pace is improving with time and the mileage is building.  Leg muscles are slowly adapting to the regiment as well.  Calves are still tight but not getting worse.  Shins are still sore to the touch but feeling better than they had.