Rio Vista 4 Miler # 3

Major storm hit last night, making it difficult to sleep.  I hate thunderstorms, especially with lightening!  When I woke up for my race at 4:30am, I was groggy.  I could have easily rolled back over an gone back to sleep, but I didn't. I knew that I would be kicking myself later if I skipped the event.  It was hot AND humid thanks to the storm.  I just knew that it was going to be a miserable run and that I would not beat my previous attempts, but it wasn't and I DID!

Even though I was already sweaty before the race even started, I kind of enjoyed the humidity.  Arizona is dry and sunny most of the time.  It was overcast for the entire race, so the temp was down.  It was nice not to have to run in 100+ degrees with the sun scorching your body.  It was in the low 80s, which is amazing for July.   I decided I did not need my fuel belt and I lucked out with 2 water stations perfectly timed. Well hydrated inside and out!

I do feel like I am improving in my running.  I'm really enjoying my workouts on the treadmill.. going at a slow pace, but for distance to improve my endurance.  I felt strong today once I started the run.  I did not beat my 1st mile time that I did on 6/15 (12:08), but I ran without stopping (12:38) and felt great.  I finished in 55:11 with a pace of 13:46, 21 seconds faster than 6/15 and 16 seconds faster than my run in May.  I improved my time!!  So nice to be sub 14 again!

June 15th

July 4th

So my next planned event is not for another 3 months.  Funny thing is it will be at the same venue - Rio Vista Park.  I really like this run!  I will continue with my running workouts... more on the treadmill than outside, at least until mid September when it is not soooo hot outside.  My goal is to be sub 13 by then and sub 12 for the Phoenix 10K in November.  I can do it, I know I can!