Last 4 of the Week

i did not get to run friday night. i worked pretty late and was pretty tired after work. i knew i wouldn't have time to run my long run of the week on saturday or sunday so i figured i could make up the 4 miles from friday before the halloween party on saturday. and that is what i did. my right knee was aching a little so i started out at a slow pace. at 1/2 mile to a mile my knee was not hurting and i felt pretty good. then at mile 2 i thought if i really pushed i could have my fastest 4 miles of the summer. my previous fastest 4 miles was on a very hilly course and this course was pretty flat, other than the one big hill just before the end, but i was going to have to make up some time. at miles 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 i knew i could still do it, but i would have to really push. i hit mile 3.5 and had to climb the big hill. it was all i could do to reach the top, and then it was a downhill sprint for 200 yards. i finished right at 20 seconds faster than my previous fastest time. here are the splits:

.5= 4:44 151
1.0= 9:33 4:49 168
1.5= 14:08 4:34 170
2.0= 18:50 4:42 173
2.5= 23:29 4:38 171
3.0= 28:00 4:31 173
3.5= 32:28 4:27 176
4.0= 36:52 4:24 180

kind of funny that my fastest 1/2 mile was the 1/2 mile with the big uphill, where it felt like i was going so slow up the hill. i think the downhill to finish must have made up for it. my heart rate on this run got a little higher than it usually does. and i could tell the breathing wasn't nearly as easy either. but i really felt good after i finished.

i have 18 miles planned for today. ate a little while ago. going to let that settle and let the thunderstorm chances pass before i head out here in an hour or 2. i will have a 1/2 marathon race less than 5 days after completing this 18 miles, i hope (first i hope i can complete the 18 miles) that my legs will be able to recover inn time from the 18 miles, along with the short runs this week. this is a "rest" week in my training which was supposed to be last week, but i had to switch it because the 1/2 marathon is coming up on saturday. i am supposed to do three 3 mile runs this week and 13 for the long run. i may cut out one of the 3 milers, or i might do 6 miles one day instead of 3 miles, to get my total miles in for the week. with the way work is going i really hope i can get any of them in.

thought of the day: "It is necessary to try to surpass oneself always; this occupation ought to last as long as life" Queen Christina. this is what i will be doing later today. 18 miles will be my longest run ever. i don't know if i've ever even ridden a bike that far. it is getting closer and i am growing more confident and excited.