February 22, Wednesday
I hope that my most frequent readers have not become bored with the descriptions of my runs on the beach in st. Augustine. Each time I run on this beautiful beach I am cognizant of how fortunate I am to be able to spend two months a year, during the worst weather in the Northeast, in St.Augustine. Today’s run was one of those special experiences. So, if you have heard enough from me about beautiful experiences on the beaches of St. Augustine, you can skip the next paragraph and just read the next sentence. I ran 5 miles in 55 minutes with a final mile of 9:47.
After checking the tides last night for St Augustine Beach, I was able to plan my day to get out during the Sweet Spot in the cycle. The sand had a firm but forgiving consistency and was as flat has a board. The temperature was about 68 degrees at noon and there was a friendly, convenient, comfortable cloud cover. ( The midday Florida Sun can wreak havoc on a fair Irishman.) The surf was a bit rough and there was a gentle breeze from the south that sprayed a mist near the water’s edge. I started to the south into the mist and the breeze. My first goal was to run just 30 minutes. But I was so comfortable that I quickly upped it to 40 minutes and eventually to a full hour. I turned around when my watch read two and a half miles and exactly 30 minutes. The pace was relaxed and effortless as I headed back north. By the time I reached mile four, it had begun to rain and a pretty stiff wind blew at my back. With that edge I managed a 9:47 final mile. The final two and a half miles back was completed in 25:20. Perfect external conditions; relaxed and pain-free striding; emotionally and mentally content; SUBLIME!
Haven’t heard this in a while. …
Stats –
I-Mad =0
a.m.HR = 54BPM
Weight = #152.4
Sleep = 9 hours
Hi Robby:
I thought you might find this article an interesting piece to read:
http://www.dailyprogress.com/cavalierinsider/forward-motion-uva-s-speed-clinic-helps-athletes-recover-with/article_64ac723a-55c6-5b87-884b-bc92375efa2c.html
Hi Otis,
That is a very interesting article. Something I would definitely consider pursuing. Fortunately,at this time I am experiencing no running injuries. I am running comfortably and pain-free. I believe the key has been for the last few months that I have worked hard to significantly shorten my stride. So now I look a little bit like Ron Delaney, perhaps the greatest Irish Miler ever, also of Villanova University and Olympic 1500 meter champion. I appreciate that you’re thinking of me. Regards. Rob
Otis, I have an interesting story that I think some of our classmates might enjoy reading. It’s an experience that Arlene and I had playing trivia this week. I do not have an email with the full list of our classmates that you send out on occasion. Can you send an email to me with a random test statement that I can forward my story to all class members. I think it might be fun.