The beginning of the week was frustrating. I was tapering, but felt like crap. I guess now that the week is ending and my body is recovering, I'm starting to feel great. I needed 9 miles today to hit my goal of 55 for the week.
I didn't want to run all 9 miles at once. I didn't make it to the race this morning. I was kind of pressed for time for the first run. I headed over to the elementary school for a few short loops. I figured that if I could knock out 3 miles, I'd only have to do 6 later on.
It was nice in the morning, but by 10:30 AM, it wasn't all that great. We've had worse days for sure. It was still hot though. My shorts got pretty sweaty in a short run. I went shirtless as usual. I guess running out in the open wasn't helping either.
The first mile was a 7:53. That was faster than usual. The legs were fresh and sharp. I got bored with these loops fairly quickly. Not only was I going around the front and side of the school, but I looped around that back too.
Each loop was about a half mile. I guess I did 5 of them and maybe 6. I'm not quite sure. I got bored and lost count. I thought about going a different way, but decided to stick with this.
I wasn't pushing any more, but the speed was getting faster. Mile 2 was a 7:23 and mile 3 was a 7:11. That was solid. I was very happy to sneak the pace in under 7:30.
Since the second run would be short and I felt fresh, I considered running it hard. Then, after standing at Quadzilla registration, my legs were tired. I figured I'd just run however I felt.
I was out in the western part of the Lehigh Valley. I thought that that was kind of close to Jim Thorpe. Really, it wasn't. However, I drove there anyway. I knew that fresh scenery would be a huge advantage.
I parked by the Glen O Falls. It was packed there as I expected. My plan was to run the D&L to downtown Jim Thorpe. I'd add on any needed mileage in the other direction.
I headed out toward Jim Thorpe. The road into the parking area is very long. Since there isn't too much traffic, I started by running on the pavement. That was better than the stone trail. The scenic train went by early on.
I was probably about 3/4 of a mile into the run when I had go on the trail. There's a really cool bridge over the river. This part was annoying because a lot of slow bikers were there. I actually ran past 2 of them. Mile 1 was a super fast 7:11.
Running over the bridge on the was outstanding. Then, it was on to the stone trail. I don't like this part much. The stones are small, but they seem quite loose. Still, the pace was quick. Mile 2 was a 6:58. My pace definitely wasn't easy, but not hard either.
It was hot and humid for sure. However, the temperature difference when compared to back home was noticeable. I wore a sweatband too. That might've helped some. There was a little breeze as well.
I passed some old trains that are in different states of repair. I next got to the train station area in downtown. I ran out to mile 2.5. That was good enough for the turnaround.
They are putting a big bridge in this area too I guess. I'm not sure what for. It looks interesting though. I did enjoy that the parking lot had pavement.
Heading back was tough. I was back on stone and it definitely felt like I was running uphill. Mile 3 was a 6:47. I was still cruising.
At one point, my overall pace changed like crazy. I looked at my current mile and it said 7:52. The pace then went back to where it was supposed to be. I think it just had a glitch, but fixed itself. Mile 4 was a solid 7:04.
I wasn't enjoying the stone, so I just tried to look forward to the pavement again. It wasn't long before I was crossing back over the river. I ran along the road again. I was breathing a little heavy by now, but trying to stay consistent. I didn't have any water with me or in the car, so I was a little worried. I stayed with it though.
I passed a bunch of people heading back, including a very cute young lady. It was good to get back to my car. Mile 5 was a 6:46. My overall pace was flirting with 7 minutes flat for awhile.
I headed out on the stone section to the north. That didn't last long. I didn't enjoy that section. I decided to just run out and back on the access road for the last mile. I was going to go to mile 5.57, but I continued on past that. Finally, at 5.65 miles I turned around.
I had just a short bit to go. I finished up with a 6:44 last mile. I was pushing a bit with the heat by that point, but not falling off. I was just looking to run this run with a sub 7:30. I was very happy to run it under 7 minute pace.
It was good to push myself a little in the heat. I'd like to get two runs of 8 miles at this pace or faster this week. I want to get used to a 7 minute pace. That would be nice to run in the marathon, although I think it will be hard.
Tomorrow, I'm going over to Quadzilla to watch the race. It will be fun to do that for a change. I'm not sure yet if I'm going to run or take off. I'll be off either tomorrow or Monday. I'm not sure yet. I guess we'll see what I'm up to tomorrow. This coming week, I'm only going to run 40 miles.
AM Run 3 miles - 22:26 (7:29 pace)
PM Run 6 miles - 41:30 (6:55 pace)
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