I think I am finally starting to understand the mental as well as physical importance of an EZ day. Although when I am running an EZ pace I still need to keep an eye on my watch and check my pace, it is not the same as on the speed days when everything is happening so fast and the level of intensity is very high. It really is a day to remember why I enjoy running so much. An opportunity to take in my surroundings and a chance to run with friends that I don't always see on the path.
Today was one of those days. My workout today was a 9 mile EZ run. I set up a time to meet some of my friends at the gazebo and share a morning run with them. They were going to do a 4 mile run so I headed out early on my own for the first 5 miles. Oh, it felt so good to be running down a dark quiet street with just the sound of my breathing keeping me company. Timed my 5 miles perfectly so that I arrived at the gazebo just as my friends were pulling up in their cars. I live exactly 1.1 miles from the prairie path so I always run there as a warmup for my run. Why pass up an opportunity to get an extra mile in, right?
It was great to see Anne and Becky. Two wonderful people and fun runners. We first started running together a couple of years ago when I trained them for their first half marathon. Back then we ran together about 3 days a week. They did awesome at their half marathon. I had a lot of fun running it with them. Telling them stories for 13 miles, getting the crowd to cheer them on in their run and taking pictures of them on the course was a great time. That race is one of my favorite races. It was such an awesome feeling to cross the finish line with them and share in the excitement of their glorious finish. Since that day, Becky has continued to run a lot of races. She is doing awesome and I think its so great when she tells me that she has signed up for another race. Anne has taken more of a back seat approach to races. She has some family obligations that prevent her from partaking in a lot of events, but she still gets out there and runs when she can and I admire that. Unfortunately, since I have been training for my upcoming races, I mostly run alone. With the various workouts, I need to schedule them around my photography work so it is easier to do them when I have a break. So, today's run with them was a great way to catch up and share what has been going on in our lives. Two miles out and back was all we had, but I'll take it. In the blink of an eye, we finished our 4 miles and it was time for each of us to go our separate ways. I really enjoyed our morning conversation. I treasure running workouts like today. They are as important to me as the speed work or tempo runs. Running with them helped me remember why I run and the good friendships that are made on life's journey. I miss running with them.
Today's Workout:
9.00 miles EZ
Completed:
10.46
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