A return to speed

Today was a good day. I cancelled a trip to Powell River as the ferries werent running and had a more relaxed office day. I got my weights done at morning break and then a run with some speed at lunch. It was pouring rain in the morning and ridiculously windy and I thought for sure I was in for another soaker of a run. But about 15 mins before lunch it brightened up, the sun came out and I ended up running under a pretty rainbow. I also got out for a quick walk at my 3oclock break on the trails behind the office. Today was the first day in a while that I didnt feel overwhelmed with the amount of work I needed to get done. Its all still there...just feeling a bit more calm about it. 

(Happy Jess)

When it came time to run I was excited to try a little bit of speed, without overdoing it. It has been almost a month since the last race. I'm ready to get back at it. I set up Runmeter for 30mins easy, 10 mins at no slower than 7:30 mins/mile and then a cool-down. I increased my pace on the easy portion of the run as well to about 8:40mins/mile. Then when it came time to go fast I was actually surprised at how tough it was. I know speed comes back quickly but it was a bit humbling at first! I was definitely out of breath and pushing hard on the last bit of hill. Ended up averaging 7:10 for the fast portion which was good and then had a few minutes of cool-down before getting back to the office. 

I'm thinking my heart rate monitor was being a bit wonky because I dont think I have ever seen my heart rate go up to 182 before. Even on ridiculously hard speed drills its maxed out around 179 and this wasnt one of those. I took it in the pool twice as its supposed to be able to go in water but ever since then I've noticed it be a bit more unreliable with the readings. Hopefully I havent damaged it as I really enjoy training with it. 

The other day I was at work and couldnt find my gum. After rifling through my bags I was asking my tech if he knew where it was. He said it was sitting in the middle of the floor when he came in so picked it up and put in on the shelf.  I was only half joking when I commented that at least when it was in the middle of the floor I knew where to find it. So today I texted him this photo saying "I put my gum back where it belongs!" I'm sure I drive him crazy at times :)