I went to Rollingwood for the second time - or at least the second time since my recovery - and while ended up running a slightly different course due to inattention, it was a fantastic run.  Last time I averaged a 9:41 pace (9:54, 9:30, 9:46) around the hills, and it felt pretty good.  This time, on an arguably harder course (an extra 15 feet of climb, but 1/10 of a mile shorter overall), I did a 9:15 pace (9:22, 9:06, 9:21).

For the most part, I ran how I felt, just like I did last time.  Indeed, my heart rate profile looks very much the same, between 160-170 for the first 2.5 miles and then raising after that for the last stretch back on Rollingwood.  Don’t get me wrong, that’s still a lot higher than I’d like for a 3 mile run at this speed, even in the hills, but as far as the recovery process goes its all sorts of great news.

Running the last half mile has been difficult both times, since it contains a slow climb of almost 100 feet, with little recovery built in.  That’s exactly the sort of effort I’m struggling with these days, especially after the rolling hills (and a few steep climbs) have put in their 2 cents.

I did decide not to run again during the week, since this is a “low mileage” recovery week, but to really take it easy and try again to go for five miles on Saturday.  No, I’m not (currently) planning on running BagelFest, although I never say never.  Hopefully the weather will be nicer, too.  I’m looking forward to being able to at least do the seven mile TLTF loop and join my friends on their recovery runs…

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