A Good Night

I ran 7 miles tonight in just over 74 minutes, for an average of 10:40/mile, which is excellent. I really focused on keeping my heart rate between 149-166, and was able to keep it there for a total of 59 minutes! That's a good zone for me to run in.

The first two miles went great. I took it easy running an average of an 11:14 pace for those two miles, and I was relatively pain free. My left knee really started hurting after about 2.5 miles, but I was able to run through it. I focused on my form and trying to shorten my stride and land on my mid-foot rather than my heels and it really helped. I was pain free again for most of the 5th mile, and as I began to tire for the last two miles the pain came back as a dull ache, but by that point most everything was hurting just from the long distance.

I ran the first 3 miles at an 11:15 pace, and I ran the last 4 miles at a 10:08 pace, which I think is incredible and very encouraging. It just helps me prove to myself that I can't start so fast like I did in Crazylegs.

The new Brooks shoes felt great. Obviously they aren't helping much with the knee pain yet, but I can certainly tell that they have more cushion and stability, which is exactly what I need right now. I should also note that my right foot hasn't gone numb either time that I've worn them, so they may be helping with that problem. I think I'll just retire the Asics rather than alternating between the shoes.

I'm scheduled for 2 miles tomorrow, which I'll run easy just to shake out the pain and stiffness, then I have 8 miles on Sunday which I feel much better about after tonight.

Oh, and I should also mention that it's official - I registered for the Madison Half Marathon today!