One thing I need watch out for, and how:

The Grey Zone.

Run your easy runs slow, and your other runs fast, goes the mantra.

So why, on my eight mile supposedly easy run yesterday, did I jump in pace from 9:45 (my designated easy pace) to 8:30 and a touch faster for the last three miles? Chased by adoring fans (whoever you are) or a knife wielding dervish looking to bring on the Apocalypse?

Nope, just:

Having a good time (like most people, running is stress relief)

An unexpected burst of energy from improved fitness (see previous post for my base training successes)

Wanting to see where I’m “at” right now.

What did I get in return? Other than the warm glow of satisfaction, I walked around today with sore knees. May have had something to do with the brand new Saucony’s, the soles of which are hard as a board when they are brand new, maybe not. All I know is, a 45 minute marathon race pace run that was supposed to happen today didn’t because I didn’t want to risk further injury. The knees are feeling better now, but I’m going to have to run five EASY miles tomorrow on my designated recovery day, followed by my scheduled 18 miles on Saturday. I’ll do it, but I’d have preferred to rest tomorrow instead of today.

Lesson learned: follow the schedule. The running brain on paper. Save the long surges for when I need them!

End communication.