Big Bird Drives a Yellow Car

Today's Run Stats: Farmington Canal Linear Park; 39 degrees; 3 miles; 27:10; 9:03 per mile pace. Mile 1: 9:03, mile 2: 9:12, mile 3: 8:55.

I need to start by talking about roller blading, disco dancing, karaoke singing, linear trail lady. Somehow, someway, no matter what time I run, I manage to see her once or twice a week on the trail. She kind of looks like a skinnier version of Big Bird on roller blades. Maybe I'm thinking that because she drives the brightest yellow car I have ever seen. She's tall, VERY tall on roller blades, and roller blades along, swaying from side to side, and does a disco dance by repeatedly rotating her arms forward as she skates. Plus, she always seems to forget that I can actually hear her singing as she zips by. Funny thing is, I never recognize what she's singing. Probably because I'm too busy laughing and trying to get out of her way. So, once again roller blading, disco dancing, karaoke singing, big bird looking, linear trail lady, thanks for putting a smile on my face, and not running me over.
Today's run was rather boring. Of course, running day after day along the trail will make it boring. At least I'm following my podiatrist's orders as far as not running on the road. But, as you read above, I once again ran faster than my 11 minute suggested pace. Today I actually ran smoothly for most of the run. The first half mile or so was a struggle, as my stride was awkward trying to run slower than I wanted to. Once I focused on running however fast I wanted to, everything fell into place. The 9 minute miles felt good, as I wasn't pushing myself, or running too slow. My form felt good, and the awkward feeling quickly vanished. What still concerns me is the "out of shape" feeling. A 9 minute mile pace should be a piece of cake. Right now, it isn't. This coming from a person who pre-injury was running 8 minute miles without much effort. Hopefully my increased stretching prior to running, and a gradual increase in days run per week and distance run will help. I'm still "yoga curious," and am looking forward to March 6 when we try it at work. I need to do something to become more limber, and also need to find the time and make the effort to strengthen my legs. I think I need to sign up to work out with a "hot" female trainer. Now THAT would motivate me! (My apologies to the women...LOL)