Another couple of 80's

Last week was another 80 mile week and this week I am on pace for 88. It is going fairly well. My legs don't feel particularly tired though my knees are a bit achy. The last two Wednesdays I have done 15k tempo runs in Osaka. Basically we run each kilo at around 4:25 in the beginning and then gradually speed up with the last 3k at "free" pace, however fast you want to go. The splits two weeks ago were 21:58, 21:45 and 20:41. Last week I started a little slower with 22:26,21:47 and finished with 20:39. I think with the combination of mileage and a hard tempo run once a week I will improve. I definitely feel stronger than before. I often ask myself what the point is in getting up at 5 in the morning to run in the dark every morning. It is a hard question to answer but the biggest reason is that running gives me something that I can't get anyway else. I like the feeling of strength that comes from running fast. I like the achievement that you feel when you place well in a race.

80 mile week

I got my first 80 mile week in last week. It has been a while since I have been to that level in mileage. I feel like I am getting stronger and the morning 8.5's are getting easier. So hopefully I can consistently stay at this level. My goal is to run well in a couple of ekidens, one in January and one in February. I will also be in the US in February and would like to run a couple of races there.

Today I will go to Osaka to run with the Wednesday night group. I am looking forward to a hard run.

December

Sunday - Nine mile loop down to Doshisha university and back up the back hill by trails. It was quite cold and windy but I did it.

Monday - am. 8.5 My new morning loop through the park. I am getting used to getting up at 5. It was hard at first but it is becoming easier. Of course running with the ipod also helps make the miles go faster.

pm 5 miles easy + 2 miles of sprint the straights jog the curves ---15 for the day.

Tuesday - am 8.5 park run. My knees were a little achy but ok.
pm. 3 miles on the treadmill plus weights.