Rhythm is gonna get you...

If you are a runner, you know getting into that rhythm during a workout really matters.  If you can't find that pace that keeps you steady, the whole run will feel off kilter.  That's how it felt tonight.  I just could not find my rhythm.  What caused that?  Could be anything, or it could just be a mediocre run.  Back in the day when I was just getting back into running about 7-8 years ago, I would have just ended a run like this before it could drive me to burn out - got out before it could feel like a chore.  These days I am a more mature runner and can handle the not so good days along with the good days.

Here's how it went...first off, I made the good decision not to run in the high sun and heat of the day, opting for an evening run when I got home from work (I've really got to learn how to run in the morning before I head into the city...it could just solve some of my problems).  So yay for me on that account.  That's about the only good part.  Well, that and my running partner.  My husband joined me tonight.  He needs to build base miles so he can trim his 3 mile time for work.  Second, it was still really warm and super humid when we ran.  The air was so thick it made breathing difficult, so no rhythm there.  Third, my hamstrings were still tight, also breaking up the rhythm. 

What were the high points?  Or at least the interesting stories?  There were a couple.  For one, there was the really stiff rustle in the grass as I ran in the trail next to the road.  I have no idea what it was (let's hope it wasn't something slithery or I'm bound never to run that route again...very limiting).  And then, perhaps one of the most interesting sights I'll see all week, was when I turned around to see my husband jogging alongside a car giving the driver directions to get back onto route 50.  Uh, here's my question...why not just stop to give directions instead of continuing to jog breathless and speaking?  Let's suffice it to say, it was Jason. Ha.  Here's hoping to find my rhythm tomorrow.  Happy trails!

***P.S.  I just signed up for my first 5K to benefit an organization combatting brain cancer this coming Sunday in my hometown.  Let's beat these diseases!
Stats -
Miles:  5.51
Time:   48:14 (average pace of 8:45 per mile)
Location:  Broadneck Peninsula, Bay Head, Log Inn
Feeling:  Rough, but got it in