2 bedrooms or 1.5 bedrooms

The week that was:

When was the last time I posted? Monday? Oh...what has happened since then? Any life changes? No. Anything out of the ordinary? I can't remember, so that must mean no? How about running? May as well talk about that!

On Tuesday I ran a track workout at Macalester. 8x400 with a 400 meter jog in between. Ran a 67 on the first one, then 68's for the remaining seven. Started the workout with 2x200 meter strides in 32 seconds. A pretty good workout for the first speed workout in a while. Ran the workout with Kelly.

On Wednesday I ran a 14 mile route from the store, that I tend to run on Wednesdays when there is no snow or ice on the ground. Mike must be feeling pretty good, because we ran the course faster than I have run in the past, with the exception of the day I ran a tempo workout on the course. We even took a slight detour when we ran upon construction on one of the bike paths. So we ran about 1/4 mile on railroad tracks. Good thing it was only for a quarter mile, because there was a fast moving train on the horizon, and I don't think it would have had the ability, or desire, to stop. After the run we went to watch the Nature Valley Bike Race Criterium in downtown St. Paul. Pretty cool atmosphere. A lot of people out watching, having some drinks, and enjoying a pleasant Wednesday evening. I wasn't watching for anyone in particular, but I was amazed by the speed and positioning of the pack, and they speed at which they take corners.

On Thursday I ran at Willow River with Finch, Tony, Mike and Wyn. We ran about 12 miles. The pace was pretty relaxed until we didn't wait for Mike when he stopped at the bathroom. He caught us in a timely manner, and then blew by us in an equally impressive fashion. The pace got a bit more up-tempo from there. It was a good run, it felt like we were absolutely flying at certain points.

On Friday, I ran after work with Jeff. We ran our morning 10 mile route, and I tagged on an extra mile at the end to make it 11.

On Saturday, I ran my 10 mile route that goes up the Highland Pkwy Hill. Ran 4 block long strides at the end. A more relaxed pace than many of the runs during the week.

Today I convinced Kelly to run the Afton Alps Mountain Bike Trails. We parked at the state park, and ran down to the base of the ski hill. Ran two loops, and it was warm! Today was my best day for sweating yet! I led the first loop, and tried to let myself "fall" down the hills. We took a quick break before starting the 2nd loop, and Kelly led for the first part. It was much more difficult to follow than lead. When we came up on the first big, steep hill I went around him and that was the last time I saw Kelly on the run. I was happy that I ran the same time for both loops (about 45 minutes), even though I felt a bit tired during the 2nd loop. After the run, I drove to Stillwater and watched the final race in the Nature Valley Series. Much easier to watch than the race in St. Paul on Wednesday. That might be because of the watching point. My dad and I watched at the top of the final hill on the criterium. Those guys are impressive. To crest that hill and then start hammering...something I couldn't do on a bike.

Song of the Day: House of the Rising Sun - The Animals