Paging Dr. Sykes; Paging Dr. Sykes

In my female intercom voice: "Paging Dr. Sykes. Paging Dr. Sykes." I'm wondering if he has hit one of those "I just don't want to do it" periods, like I've often done. His last blog was on February 23. He has ran and rode a bike after that date, but I haven't seen anything for March. Maybe he'll get back to it soon!

Prelude to today's run. I was still feeling the effects of my Saturday failure on Monday. Occasionally, there was a pain between my shoulder blades when I breathed. Legs were also a little sore. I was supposed to run 5 miles, but had an important errand to tend to. On Tuesday, it was cooler and the wind was blowing pretty good, so no running for me.

Today was an 8 miler. At least it was sunny and 61 degrees when I headed out at 6:00 pm. I was an hour late getting started, because wanted me to stop by Hobby Lobby on my way home from work. The sun had dropped behind the trees by 6:30. It began to get a little cooler and the breeze picked up a little, but I was okay with it. The mileage times: 9:24, 10:03, 10:11 (my slow mile), 10:03, 9:42, 9:35, 9:35, and 9:06. Total time: 1:17:39. Pace: 9:42. Although I'm way behind on my marathon mileage, I am feeling pretty good on running 7 miles. I mean, nothing speedy to them and they still push my legs, heart, and lungs, but that I feel I can go run 7 miles and not worry about failing to complete it. I was feeling it at the end of mile 7 and got through mile 8 at 9:06 - I was doing all I could to push it. Hopefully, 8 miles will feel "safe" before long.

My heart rates: 170 average, 195 max (second highest - 198 on 06/30/10 and 03/10/11), 68 rest. Recovery was from 193 (tied for 3rd highest 197, 195) to 128. The 65 point difference was second highest ever (67 on 01/24/11).