Energy Shot (R)

One Day at a Time

This run saw my fastest average pace in quite some time. In fact, I don’t remember the last time I was so close to an 8 min mile (usually I’m closer to an 8:30 for a training run). Perhaps I’ve trained under an 8 minute mile a few times on a flat surface, like at the river/canal trail (although it’s been a while since I’ve been down there, given the weather; I like to go down there when it’s nice, warm, etc). This pace, despite my lack of motivation to get started. It seems like some of my best runs are on days when my morale starts off the lowest. I’m not sure why that is. If I just make myself do it, it turns out good. I took a Five Hour energy shot a half hour before run time. I don’t make a habit of this, as I believe it is somewhat unnatural and bad . . . all that caffeine and whatever else they put in those things can’t be good for you, although I don’t see how the B-vitamins can hurt. I used it because I had it sitting around. I don’t buy that stuff often. Usually use it once every couple of weeks when I have an early shift and I’m forced to work on 3 hours of sleep. But I’ve noticed every time I use it before a run, it seems to allow me to do better than average. Perhaps it’s just psychological. Aside from the health aspect, it’s expensive . . . $3 for a small shot. Like I said, I don’t get those things too often.

It was very humid out, although humidity really played no (negative) factor in the run since the temperature was so cool. Humidity was high enough that I could see my breath even at 43 degrees.

The route was identical to my previous run, with the exception that I took an extra block out and back, adding almost a tenth of a mile. I wanted to make the run at least 4 miles, instead of the 3.95 miles it was for my last run. It ended up being 4.03 miles. And despite the extra 8/10 of a mile I still finished under the time of my previous run (33:02 vs. 33:11).

Great run.

-AR

PS: I probably would not have even bothered with the energy shot but I woke up feeling groggy today. I didn’t sleep well. I kept waking up. Not sure why. It’s all good though.

See Route

4.03 miles (6.48 km) through Millbrook, to Westmont, then followed County HWY 388 back around to Rose Point, then back to Millbrook . Start time approximately 1:15 PM EST on 01/18/2011. Total run time 33:02. Pace 8:11. Weather Conditions: Cloudy, 43F/6C, Dew Point 42F, Humidity 94%, Winds SSW 1mph, 29.89inHg/1012.2mbar and falling.