20 May 2014

25 miles in the last 2 days. My legs are coming back to life. Struggled a bit last week still in the wake of May 4th's half marathon. Was also aided by a drastic reduction in humidity and cooler temps the past few days, though that won't last for long.

Did my first 2 a day in awhile yesterday (Monday). Like to do for obvious time reasons on days that I have off from work. The first run of the day I set out mid morning and put down 12 miles. Mostly off road on the inner island dirt/grassy roads, and then back onto the CB State Park trails. Averaged an 8:30- 8:40 pace while just sort of cruising the miles off, and savoring the tranquility of the outdoors.

The second run of the day went back out about 5:30pm after doing an upper body workout which consisted off several sets of push ups and lifting free weights (while listening to Suicidal Tendencies). My legs seemed game so I opened her up some as I got into the 2nd mile of the 5.5+ mile inner island trail loop. Ran the last 2.5 miles at a sub 7 minute/ mile pace, ending on the beach at a 6:30s pace.

Plan short term is to get close to 60 mile a week, jumping up from the 50 a week that I averaged for a month before tapering/ recovering from the half. Thought of a Charles Bukowski quote again the other night which I feel is harmonious with what I'm seeking perhaps to do....

"If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench. It could mean jail. It could mean derision. It could mean mockery--isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And, you'll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you're going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It's the only good fight there is.”