Eight is SO Great!

Back to Berkeley Marina...where it all began. I think Berkeley is my favorite spot so far, but the wind is pretty intense and it gets really cold this early in the morning.

This particular morning Chipper Sue and I arrived at the same time, so we were able to start together and both committed to the 8 miles at the beginning of the run. I noticed it took me a couple of miles to get into my groove. My muscles felt super stiff and sore for the first 2, then I seemed to warm up and get over it. (Maybe I should stretch better to warm up before the run?? Or maybe ice more? I'll try both) We ran from Ceasar Chavez park at Berkeley Marina, traveled north along the 580, turned and passed the horse racing place and climed a nice big hill at that point, passed the Albany Bulb (a little dog beach) and continued on the little running trail until we reached the Albany Waterfront sign at the 580 freeway again. That was our 4 mile point to turn around and run it all back. I think I am starting to like the out and back route...I always get to run back the part I might have had a hard time with and run it better the second time around. Leaves me feeling a bit victorious over the hill that seemed big the first time, and not so bad the second.

On the 4 miles back, Candace the mentor joined us on our run. She started telling us the story of her runniing the SF Nike last year and how great it was. She also told us our training this year is pretty advanced comopared to last years schedule and we should be really prepared come race day. (this is good news...)

The run was fun. We finished 8 miles at 1:20, which means we totally averaged 10 min miles. It seems this is my comfortable pace, which I am starting to believe is completely acceptable for my level. I mean, I am no boston qualifier or anything, but one day I believe I will call myself a marathon finisher, which is about all I am able to bite off at this point. Go Jenn - the hopeful finisher!

By the way, tonight I will ice my knees for sure!