Today’s run: 10 miles, 1:46 minutes. YT: 142.6. My last beach run before six weeks of cold in New York, in the most perfect weather of the year so far. But I guess I’ll make the lunatic trip anyway. Kooky Groovy Lady was out today, in a rhinestone-accented shirt, magenta-acid-washed denim cutoffs, and matching magenta and black sneakers.The best part of this run was actually the mile that felt longest. There’s a stretch in El Segundo where the waves almost meet the bike path and clash up against the rocks. The result is fresh and wet, and probably the closest thing to running on water there could be. On the way home, the radio was playing Barry White.

Hello Valentine’s Day! I finished my first 10-miler today, and all in all, it was a breeze, I think because I broke it down mentally into a series of little two-mile legs. (Training tip!) I even took before and after pics, and a not-that-great beach pic:

Here’s how the run broke down:

Mile 1-2: Warming up.
Miles 2-3: 1 minute intervals, fast-easy
Mile 3: Waterfountain stop and 20 seconds of hip stretches
Mile 4-5: This was the slowest mile, despite it being the most beautiful.
Mile 5-7: These sped by and were probably the strongest of the run.
Mile 7: More water and stretching.
Mile 7-8: Decent.
Mile 8-9: Starting to feel a little tight.
Mile 9-10: Feeling tired but picked up the pace anyway. Finished running around a 9:30 min mile.

It being Valentine’s Day, I thought some about my old valentines. I’m grateful to know how to love and be loved. I’m not feeling wistful. I’m exhilarated.

I do think I’m going to need some champagne and strawberries later.

:-)