A beautiful day for a beautiful run!

Got out on my 4 mile run a bit earlier this morning. The sun wasn't up yet. I haven't run in the dark for a few weeks now and this run confirmed I enjoy running right as the sun is coming up. 

There was a light breeze and the temperature was just right. All my splits were in the 8's and I love when that happens! I'm still not a great estimate of actual pace. I think I'm going fast and there the call out on my phone at that first 5 minute mark just isn't quite as fast as I thought. Or I'll think I'm going slower and it ends up being faster than I think. 

There are occasions on some of my runs, usually my longer ones where I more accurately judge if I'm in a faster or slower pace. I've come to realize it's just best to enjoy the journey. No one like disappointment and telling yourself you HAVE to run this particular distance in this particular time with this particular pace takes all the joy out of running. 

I naturally connect with joy, but I'm also I person who puts high expectations on myself so this training plan has allowed me the opportunity to try different things / approaches and be more present whenever possible. 

Today after work I went for a 90 minute deep tissue massage. These massages have been one of the greatest gifts I've given myself during training. I'm usually a once a year massage girl (even though I'd like to go more). They exactly cheap, but Groupon helps. That's how I found my current massage therapist. After that first appointment I knew I'd be back. They offered a package and I knew this would be something I could do for myself that would contribute greatly to my training (and I was right, it has!). 

As the road of training comes to an end I want to savor each moment and each run. Who knows if I'll ever go through this process again. 

9 more runs to go!