10 with Andrew
The 2 Running Fools actually ran together today. This was actually our first time running together. And of course I had to drive over to his neck of the woods. Only a 90 minute drive–which explains why this is the first time we ran together.
Andrew knows of a running trail over by his place were many runners go. It was a nice area with a bit of an incline. I was actually looking forward to that. All of my training is on flat ground.
On the schedule today was running 10 miles at about a 10-11 min/mile pace. At first I was concerned about running too fast (when we compare times, mine are a bit faster). But in actuality, I had to slow Andrew down. He was revved up and ready to eat those miles up!!! In the uphill, he outpaced me (hands down).
But towards the end of the run, I threw a curve ball on him. We sprinted for a good 60 yards. After the sprint, I had him continue the pace we were previously running at. I don’t think he liked me much after that.
So I decided to do it again before the end of the run!! >:) Yup.. he definitely didn’t like me then.
But we finished strong and with a good time: 1:38:39
Being so close in our running pace, it made it fun to be able to run with a friend. I may be one of the most competitive people out there (I HATE TO LOSE). But I’m learning that not every activity has to have competition as the goal. Today, it was the journey, not the destination. Maintaining a pace that allowed for conversation was a great rule of thumb to follow today. We both got our workout done, got our miles in, increased/maintained our endurance thresholds and had fun doing it. What more could you ask for? (besides, I know I could have ran more and ran them faster by myself >:) and knowing is half the battle ‘Yo Joe!’ )
