Full Moon Warm Up

Time:  25 minutes
Distance:  2.55 miles
Location:  Apple Valley to Sitting Bull Academy

I guess maybe the secret is lots of rest.  I think we're wired to think more is always better -- the more I run the better I'll get.  That principle is true in general, but when just starting, running every day (as I've just learned) can have adverse effects.  All the aches and pains I was experiencing a couple weeks back are all but gone.  My last run, last week on Wednesday, was great.  I felt strong for the whole run with almost no leg pain.  I took the next four days off (probably a couple too many), and my run tonight felt just as good, if not better! 

Before going out on my run, to my delight, my wife decided to get a mile in tonight.  So we ran/walked a mile around our neighborhood, which I used as a good warm-up.  After this I headed out to get 25 minutes.  I knew I needed at least 25 minutes because of all the time I took off.  I took off on my typical route, down Apple Valley to Sitting Bull, and then headed east to Sitting Bull Academy, and then back.  Last time I ran this route I got in 2.39 miles (May 18th).  Today I got in 2.55.  A big improvement actually.  I felt strong the whole run.  There was some wind to contend with, but it wasn't too bad.  The moon was out and huge.  It made the run less dark, which was nice because I got kind of a late start. 

I'm not sure if I should continue to take this many rest days, or if maybe I've built my stamina up enough to be able to handle consecutive days again.  I'll play it by ear.  But at least the last two runs have been confidence-builders.  I'm now not feeling quite so unsure about the 5K in 4 weeks.