Back to slightly longer runs

Today, I managed to get in a slightly longer run of 3 miles. This time I ran at 5.2 to 5.5 mph without any walk breaks. This was, of course, after waking at 4:30am to my alarm clock and trying to talk myself out of getting up for about ten minutes. I just don't cooperate with myself well in the wee hours of the morning.

I hopped on the treadmill and started up a Podrunner podcast called Definitive. I think it was 154bpm, but I'm not going to take the time right now to verify that. There is something about the Podrunner podcasts that allow me to keep moving and encourage me to continue. I noticed today, they also help me keep my own pace and not that of the person on the treadmill next to me. I still hear their footfalls, since the noise from the treadmill changes pitch as their feet strike, but I can make myself keep in time with the music. I do feel the urge to synch up with the other treadmill, though. It's automatic. I can't help it.

While listening to the podcast, I read CNN again. I kind of drop into my own world with the music and reading the closed captioning. I'm not sure how I would respond to just the music and nothing on the screen. When running outside, I have the scenery to look at. On the treadmill, which faces the wall, I'd only have my running stats. I should try it some time just to see.

Before the run, my knee seemed a little better than yesterday. During the run, when I lost form and lifted my leg slightly out of track or let it drag on the treadmill band at a diagonal, I could feel the soreness. Afterward, it was a little more sore, but nothing crazy. Now, a few hours later, it seems even better than before the workout and maybe better than yesterday.

I am soooo feeling the burn from yesterday's weight workout. My hamstrings, glutes and traps are all sore. Good sore. I love that next-day-burn I get from a weight workout when I push myself. It gives me a longer term reminder that I'm challenging myself, doing something for my long term health, and growing stronger.

After my workout today, I had a shake made with some milk, the vanilla ice cream protein powder, and ice cubes blended together. Much better than yesterday's crap. Protein powder in hot cereal is BAD!