Now that I've dropped out of Ironman, I can spend a little more time thinking ahead to my next half-marathon in October. (such a civilized distance ) I mapped out a 12 week plan based on an old Runner's World program I used a few years ago, and started that this morning. I know I can run a half, but I'd secretly love to get close to (or even beat) my PR on this course, which is just under 2:06 (9:38/mi). But even if I can't, the effort will be well worth it! When I run just for running's sake (as opposed to doing a brick for triathlon) I actually enjoy the miles.

This morning I did 7.91 miles in 1:30:55 @ 11:29 per mile. I haven't run in a week, so I did R9W1. Every time my Garmin beeped to tell me to walk, it surprised me, so I probably could have just run the whole thing. But after dropping out of IM, I resolved to go easy on myself for a few weeks, no pressure, so it was OK with me to be fairly relaxed about today's pace.

I am in awe of you ladies who are running in such hot temperatures. We are very lucky here in Oregon to not be suffering anywhere near the temps you are. In fact, its been unseasonably COLD all summer. I can count on two hands the number of days we've had over 80 and I don't think we've hit 90 at all. It was a very pleasant 58 degrees when I went out this morning, maybe low 60's when I finished.