[111] Here we go again

ORN:  This morning, I ran 5.36 miles in 54'53".  This was scheduled to be a 3x1600 interval workout with 60 second recoveries, but I am so out of shape that I fell wide of the mark.  I just wanted to finish, to complete the workout.  I didn't even get close to my target pace, and I totally dogged the last 1600.  The temperature was nearly 80° with 90% humidity, and I just cannot perform at 100% in that kind of weather.  It just saps all my strength.

 

But today's workout was important for a couple reasons.  First, today is the first day of training for the Chicago Marathon.  [By the way, if you wanted to register but waited too long, the American Cancer Society still has slots available through their charity runner program.  Google their website.]  Second, today was my first day running with my new kicks -- a pair of black Nike Free 5.0s, sent with loving-kindness by my dear friends at Zappos.com.  I'll do a full review of them in a couple weeks, but my first impressions are highly favorable.  They rock, in fact.  I can feel lots more of the ground through them, and I felt faster, even though I wasn't.  Nice shoes.