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Well, not exactly sure what happened today. My legs were trashed last night (did my long run (16) Wed; recovery run (10) yesterday) and just wanted to do an easy recovery-type run. I expected my legs to be mush but to my surprise I felt GOOD and ran 8 miles at a 7:47 m/m pace with ave HR of 144 (73%). Normally a run like this would be in the 8:20 to 8:40 range. I did go downhill the first 2 miles (but got them back the last two miles back up). Anyway, legs felt recovered and strong. Maybe my (aerobic) monster teeth are starting to show just a bit? I think I just shifted another gear. Amazing what happens when you can start stringing together a series of 50+ mile weeks. Then again, this might just be a flash in the pan. Must not get hurt!!!!!

Also, officially registered for the October Twin Cities Marathon. Just a few more weeks to get my base set before starting the P&D...

Brian, you are beast! Well done leaving it all on the course.

Chick, I missed it before, but hope your quad is feeling better.

As the Tragically Hip say, "Courage, you couldn't come at a worse time!"

16 miles today (soaked through as I got caught in the rain about 3 times).

Brian, awesome second run. The topic of pain is a good one. I'm reading "Running with the Buffalos..." now and in it the coach says to make it at the college level you need to have these four things: talent, determination, courage, and durability. I think to race effectively you do need courage because to me it's damn scary to run so fast for so long. Of these traits I think I have mainly the determination but the courage is coming as I get to know my limits.

Stats for the weekend ILTHR

 This run shows me that I'm back to where I was before the recent time off. My legs not good for the 1st 3 miles (I have been getting tightness from my toes all the way up the front of my shins)...so stretched that area out and was really feeling nice until miles 9 and 10...was still able to maintain pace but didn't feel super fresh. Even if the pace doesn't move there is room for improvement in feeling less taxed during these efforts.

Also, some questions about how to get the HR monitor to read correctly. I recently have been having some issues early in my runs (1st 1/2 mile or so). I just use spit, but found that tightening my strap eliminated my issues (I think it gradually loosens over the months).

Also, just a plug for the Garmin 910XT. I absolutely love this watch. The only catch is it's $$$ and doesn't really give a reliable instantaneous pace (but very good lap pace). But I don't use the instant pace anyways. In case anyone is looking for a new watch, running warehouse is having a 25% off sale now http://www.runningwarehouse.com/catpage-GAR25OFF.html

Spen, I just took a 10 day break...my runs right after the break had a higher HR for about a 10-12 days but everything was back to good within 2 wks.

I gave up nicotine in 2004 (mainly chew but cigs when drinking too). The absolute best thing I have done in my adult life (aside from marrying my wife and having my kids). Going through life chained to that monster is no way to live. Now my only major addictions are Coke Zero and, of course, running.

So my toe seems to be holding steady. Got a nice 80% run in on Monday (day after returning from Italy) and nailed an 18 miler on Thursday. No lingering effects after either of those runs (and got 55 miles in this week). Game on.

Am circling on my target marathon for the Fall. Think I'll run the Twin Cities Marathon. It's supposed to be absolutely beautiful (think Minnesota foliage in October as the course winds through wooded running paths along several lakes and the Mississippi river). Tough 2 mile hill near the end but fairly flat overall. I grew up in MN and my family is still there...would be an awesome trip. Gotta stay healthy.

Hope everyone else is recovering/doing well with the dings. Dr. Dan, did you try your foot?

Brian, how did #2 go?