Short Run in Long Sweatpants

Today's Run: Road: Temperature: 53 degrees; 4.1 miles; 35:44; 8:42 per mile pace. Splits: 8:54; 8:46; 8:42; 8:36; .46.

I gave in to the cooler temperature today and wore sweatpants and a long sleeved top. Until today I was in denial that it's fall. The 53 degree temperature I guess was my wake-up call. I had a Vanilla Bean GU Gel before my run. Yeah, they're definitely better than Swedish Fish for a run. I actually impressed myself by running negative splits. From an 8:54 to an 8:36 over the 4.1 miles. Go figure. I felt "blah" yesterday, considered taking today off, wore sweatpants, felt "blah" for my first mile, and still had negative splits. Around the 1 1/2 mile mark I got a burst of energy, and the running from that point on was fun and effortless. I was thinking that my sudden energy was from having an energy drink before running. But then I remembered that I hadn't had one, but had eaten the GU gel a half hour earlier. As I've said in previous posts, I love the taste of the Vanilla Bean GU Gel, plus it always seems to give me an energy boost. I guess I'll have to fill my pockets with them for the New York City Marathon on November 1st. REALITY CHECK: It's exactly a month from today. Yikes! I still haven't signed up for the Hartford Marathon. The online registration ends tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. If I miss that, then I'll have to drive to Hartford the day before the marathon to register in person. That's not a big deal, since I only have to work a half day that day (Unless we have a workshop after school), and I will have to drive to Hartford to get my race packet even if I register online. Tune-in tomorrow and see if I register. FUNDRAISING UPDATE: Because of the generosity of my wife's co-workers, I'm just $200 away from my goal. I still have 16 days left to raise the money, so keep your fingers crossed for me.