Seriously? Smoking???

I started running outside today and got about 10 minutes into it when I smelled cigarette smoke.  As I continued along the trail, the smell became stronger and stronger.  Then I rounded the bend and saw them: two people, a guy and a girl, decked out in full workout outfits and shoes, walking quickly, and smoking.  Yes, that's right, smoking.  After getting over my initial shock at the scene, I decided to just get past them as quickly as I could.  Trying to prove a point, I made quite the production of coughing and pretend choking as I passed.  Probably not my finest moment, but I was ticked that they were screwing with my run - I need all the air I can get, and it needs to be fresh, not smoke-infused!  Now, I know that we were outdoors, and it's a free country, but still, I was mad.

Today's stats:

• 10 minute warm-up walk
• 3 mi; 0:38:53 min; 12:58 min/mi avg. pace

Long Time No Run!

It's really only been since Friday, but it's amazing how long three days without running can feel!  I just could not get in the groove to run this weekend - even the scheduled "just two miles" seemed too far - not a good sign that there might be a much-hoped-for end to my current funk.  But, moving on...   The only good thing about skipping a workout?  It results in some serious guilt for the next week, ensuring that subsequent runs actually happen!  So, four miles tonight - my longest run so far with the new interval, and I felt it.  Four miles on the treadmill isn't fun anyways, but that last mile was really rough - and I seriously slowed down.  But I toughed it out and got them done - now I'm just looking forward to building my endurance to the point where the new 5:4 interval feels as good as the old 1:1 used to!

As an upside to a rather depressing post, I registered for the 2011 Wine & Dine Half Marathon yesterday!!!  Wuhoo!!!  We're giving Disney another chance by running this one again, and are very excited to hear about the positive changes they're making that should improve the logistics of the race!

Today's stats:

• 10 minute warm-up walk
• 4 mi; 0:54:26 min; 13:36 min/mi avg.
• 30 min resistance band strength training