St. Patrick’s Day Randomness

I’ve never been into parades or drinking green beer, but I hope all of you who do are having a blast doing so!  My day has been pretty quiet and that’s A.O.K with me.

Today was my first long run since just before leaving on vacation (Mar 1).  I had my first 20 mile training run scheduled for last Sunday, however Mr. Norovirus had other plans.  I really never got dressed and spent most of that day in a horizontal position.  Enough said about that (shudder).

But with all of that said, I resisted the urge to make up for lost mileage.  I’ve still got three 20+ mile training runs that will prepare me for Maine Coast Marathon in a mere 8 weeks, so I’m honestly not worried.  Originally, I had 16 miles on today’s agenda, but decided 13 made more sense.  If by chance I felt remarkable towards the end, I had a plan that I could implement to add the 3+ miles back in.  Not surprisingly, “remarkable” isn’t a word I would describe today’s run as.

It wasn’t bad either.  I headed out into the windy 20 degree temperatures with my trusty grape Gatorade and a few gels.  I decided I would practice staying in a pace range.  After being all over the place with pace during some recent runs, I thought today would be the perfect day to practice.  I honed in on a 9:00 – 9:15 pace and kept my eye on my Garmin while trying to feel the pace with my body.  I’m happy to report that I stayed within that range for almost the entire 13 miles and ended up with an even 9:00 average pace.  A couple times I was heading in a faster pace range; other times I had gotten into a bit more lazy pace range.  Both times though, I felt the change.  It’s cool to “feel” the pace and find that you’re spot on (with the Garmin).  It was a good focus for me today and insurance that I wouldn't overdo and end up with an injury.

Post run, I had a second breakfast of waffles, topped with my favorite Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup.  Yep, not that interested in real maple syrup (I know, gasp!).  After taking the world’s hottest and longest shower, I got on with preparing for a nice partial-family pasta dinner.  “Partial” because the others already had a more appropriate St. Patrick’s Day corned beef & cabbage type of menu planned and our invitation was last minute.  Next time!

So with meatballs simmering, a hot fire in our pellet stove, and sore-in-a-good-way legs, life is good!  I am faced with a challenge though.  My sweet tooth shut-off button continues to be broken and I bought these gems for dessert –

There may or may not be a few missing.  Don’t judge.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!