December 13

Today’s run was much better, a 5 miler at 49min pace in 27 degree weather. It was cold, but clear and no wind so a perfect sunrise run. Anytime I break 10 minutes/mile that means I had a constant pace and had no walk breaks. Funny how quickly you can feel decent running when you have some kind of base from previous years, no matter that you have had a few months off. I hope this is a good sign. So we will do some speed work and one short run next week and see if we can get to 7 miles next Saturday.
As I was out today I was thinking a lot about my dad who passed away last month. Growing up he was a consistent runner, but never really participated much in races other than the Peachtree Road Race and an occasional father’s day fun run. It was cold days like these that we would go up to the high school track and he would get his 3-4 miles in. Usually it was after work, so I would run a few laps then go onto the football field in the middle of the track and kick field goals or goof off.
I had a few laughs when thinking about him today as well. When you are out there running nowadays all you see is technical fabrics, fancy tights, and wicking materials. His running attire in the winter was typically a grey pair of sweatpants that were a little too short, a sweatshirt that he still had from Grady High in 1953, a nice puffy satin jacket over that and a really tall toboggan. If we saw someone out there running today in that I would crack a good laugh, more for nostalgia than making fun of awful running attire. I was thinking of hitting up his closet and pulling out some of the old threads for one of my runs this month. I would probably get some looks but it would be worth it.

December 9

I have started the base run plan and so far it is slow going. I think the combination of Turkey Day and travel, along with almost two months off from any targeted training has made it a slow transition. I really don’t feel great right now even at short (3mi) distances, but I think after a week or so the blood will be flowing fine. Going to do a 5 mile long run this weekend and start moving to speed work on Tuesdays and tempos on Wednesdays starting next week. I think by this time next week I should feel a little more in the mood for movement.