Even though I’m in Week 3, this felt like my first ‘real’ week of training. Four runs and 15+ miles logged, it felt like I was running for a reason.  While the total mileage is less than the original training plan I posted, that has been somewhat deliberate.  This week had my longest run since May 2012 when I fractured my heel, and I’m so prone to plantar fasciitis that I want to proceed with caution.

So, even at about 2 miles shy of where the schedule says I should be, let’s celebrate some little milestones, shall we?

1. An 8:11 mile Friday during my run home from work.  I was late, and people on the sidewalk were really annoying, so I tried to get it over with as quickly as possible.  Perhaps all my races should take place on the sidewalks of Boston during Friday afternoon rush hour.
2. My furthest run in almost 14 months (and feeling amazingly good afterwards).

I’ve been following Galloway intervals (3:1 on most the runs) and I’ve had to accept that while my pace is slower, I still feel strong at the end.  It’s still tough to swallow, when earlier this year I had graduated in to the single digit pace club, averaging around 9:30-9:45, but I’m trying to keep my perspective. Three miles isn’t feeling nearly as taxing, I’m not dreading getting out there (save for the 90 degrees at 70% humidity), and I don’t feel like I’m failing when I walk.  It’s just part of the routine.  If the mileage is only going to creep up, I need to stay strong and spare my feet and legs any injuries. This is working.

I’m on pace to have a 70+ mile month.  This would double the highest mileage month I’ve ever had, ever. Including “training” for the half marathon last year.  Expect to see a few more pasta and rice recipes as the weeks go on.