Squish Squash Squish Squash

That's the sound of my shoes the last 1.5 miles of my run this morning. When I left the gym the temps were nice with a strong crosswind. By mile 7 of my run it was pouring and the wind was out of control. Somehow despite this I still managed to stay on pace for my planned LT run. Goal was 12 miles with 7 at 15k-HM pace. McMillan puts that at 6:42-6:51 based on my current 5k PR. Did I remember that this morning? No, for some reason I was thinking 6:42-6:49.

Started in on my LT effort after a 3.5 mile warm up. Targeted 6:49 at the outset and hopefully get close to 6:42 by the end of it. A little slow off the bat but settled into 6:49 within a half mile and was able to hold it the 3.5 miles out. Turn around and that crosswind was a little rough. I did my best not to look at the watch, especially once the rain kicked in, because I assumed my pace was going to slow despite my efforts. Somehow though I was able to hold onto the pace and even managed to get it down to a 6:48 average by the end. By this point I was pretty much a drowned rat and was pleasantly surprised when MJ hollered at me that I was crazy just as I was finishing up the LT effort. I may be crazy but I am sure pleased with this mornings effort and it was fun to see a friend as I finished it up. My cold is still clinging on so I have to imagine this will only get easier once I am 100% (but then I will just have to run faster, it's a never ending cycle). And there is some kind of sick pleasure to be had running around in the rain while every sane person that has to be out has an umbrella over their head.

Another big confidence booster going into Richmond. I've been stressing so this was a great workout for me, mentally and physically.