Distance/Tempo Run and Running Skirts Giveaway Winner

Yesterday started out on a good note…a two-hour delay due to weather.  You see, two-hour delays are a teacher’s BFF because 1.) You get two extra hours in the morning and 2.) You still get in the school day and it counts as a full day.   

What started out as a win ended in a win as well, since I was able to run with the Moravian track team for my workout.  I was all set to do a six-mile progression on my own, but then I received a text from Jesse that some requests were made for me to attend their session.  Fred had our kids in check so I was able to go. 

Workout: 5 mile warm-up for some extra distance and a two mile tempo run through a neighborhood {the same loop from this workout}.

Warm-up: The roads and sidewalks were still a little icy so we had to be careful.  We ran about 5 1/4 miles in 43 minutes.

Once we arrived at the start, Jesse had us immediately begin our tempo run. {No resting allowed!} 

First mile: 6:18

Second mile: 6:14 -- Total time: 12:32

Overall it was a good, solid workout and I got in about 8 1/2 miles of combined speed and distance. 

Oh, and I forgot to tell you….Tuesday I was able to hit Carrie’s yoga class which was MUCH needed. 

It is so rare that I am able to attend a weeknight class due to family duties and obligations but my calendar was free and I trekked across town to do some downward-dogging.  Boy, oh boy did I pick a good class for me.  Carrie’s routine focused mainly on hip openers, including lots of pigeon pose and double pigeon.  It was just what I needed since my IT band/hip area gets awfully sore from running. 

Giveaway Winner: Finally, I'd like to announce the winner of my Running Skirts giveaway.  The winner is Rose!  Rose, please email me so I can gather your choice, style and size.  Also include your address so I can pass it along to Running Skirts and they will send you your prize.  Thank you to everyone who participated!!       

8 Mile Aggressive Cut-down & LV Style Happy Hour

Yesterday I did something called an aggressive cut-down run.  Unfortunately I couldn't join Moravian's team for practice at 4pm, so I was on my own.  The purpose of this particular type of workout was to run a longer distance, while getting progressively faster for each mile.  This workout was designed to prepare for my upcoming longer races and I began at Jacksonville Park, a section of the Nor-Bath trail for an out and back 8 miles. 

Coming off of Saturday's race, I was still feeling a little bummed and I wanted to have a good training session.  The goal was to run 8 miles -- the first four in sub-8 minute pace, mile 5 at ~7:00 pace, and then the last three getting faster with a 6:30 mile on the end.  

Here's how it went:
Mile 1 - 7:34
Mile 2 - 7:09
Mile 3 - 7:04
Mile 4 - 7:02 --- 28:49
Mile 5 - 6:45
Mile 6 - 6:43
Mile 7 - 6:34
Mile 8 -  6:20 {I'm not sure why my watch says 5:41} --- 26:24

The final time!

Basically, I ran the last three miles for this run about as fast as I raced on Saturday.  Hmm...it's amazing what nerves can do.  Or...maybe it was the Lesley Knickers that Oiselle sent me.  I LOVE these tights because of their fit and comfort level.  Plus, they are perfect for this time of year. 

Last night I met my friend {Jeannine} and one of her girlfriends for the Lehigh Valley Style happy hour at Maxim's 22 Bistro and Brasserie.  Maxim's 22 was a brand new restaurant in downtown Easton and it was so much fun to get dressed up and hang out with the girls.  We ended up getting a table so we could chat over a few appetizers and drinks.  Both Jeannine and I had their French Lemonade adorned with a rosemary sprig.     

Between the three of us, we split several appetizers including an amazing baked brie topped with a berry compote.  For not being fully functioning yet, this restaurant has potential.  They open for lunch in the next day or two and Saturday will be their first night for dinner.   

Have a great Wednesday!