A good run (5k/10k at 9:30 pace)

I debated whether to even run yesterday. I didn't get out until 3 pm, and it was 86° (my car said 90). I was supposed to do 6 miles, which didn't sound all that appealing. I finally figured "Oh, what's the worst that can happen?" I put on my ID bracelet just in case. 

Well, it ended up being my best run so far this year. I wasn't trying for any particular time, but just wanted to run loose and free.

When I did the first mile in under 10 minutes I thought that was pretty good (especially since I'd had to stop and wait for a car when I crossed Winchester). I rarely do sub-10 miles anymore, so I expected to get slower as I went. I didn't. In fact, the 3rd and 6th mile were in 9:10! 

I did a 5k in 29:32, which is the first sub-30 I've run since earlier this spring. The 59:05 10k (6.2 miles) is likely my fastest this year. In fact, I only decided to add the .2 because I knew it was going to be under an hour. I then walked 3/4 of a mile home... and felt great!

I felt so good, in fact, that I decided to mow the yard when I got home.

The funny thing is, I was somewhat perplexed as to why it went so well and why I felt so good. I thought maybe because I'd decided to wear my new Brooks Ghosts (the dreaded black ones). I do have to admit that a brand new pair of Ghosts feel so good on my feet. But it was Jane who mentioned, "You found your 'chi'." Ah... perhaps reading about chi-running has started to pay off. I really did feel like my legs and feet were loose, shoulders were down and relaxed, and I was kicking my feet up higher behind me.

It's still not like I'm running "fast, fast"... but I feel so much better than I did even a month or two ago. My legs and feet feel great, my breathing is good, and I'm starting to get a little confidence back. Hopefully I'm not jinxing my next run... but it was at least a good run yesterday.

This week I start back up into double-digit runs at least once a week, probably for the next 3 or 4 months. Here we go...

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Psalm 119:45

"So I will live in freedom,
    because I do my best to know your instructions."