Start Time: 10/2/08, 4:30pm
Location: Mount Vernon Trail
Distance: 8 miles
Average Pace: 8:34min/mile
Total Miles For October: 8 miles

The plan was to get up early and run—except it is still dark for far too much of the early morning. Instead, I went to work about two hours early, then left a bit early so that I could run afterwards. The only downside to that was I always feel a little tired when I first start out, but all things considered it wasn’t a bad set-up at all; crisp air and cool fall temperatures. I decided to try and tackle the 8-mile progressive run (first mile at 9:30, then drop 15 seconds for each mile’s goal time). And while I didn’t hit the times for the last two miles, it was closer than my previous attempt, so overall I’m quite pleased. (Especially since my times for the first six were all a little fast!) Getting there, bit by bit. Although the next time I try this, I may actually go for looking goofy and put on a breath-right strip on the nose. Stupid allergies.

9:19, 9:06, 8:53, 8:36, 8:20, 8:11, 8:03, 8:00 (actual times)
9:30, 9:15, 9:00, 8:45, 8:30, 8:15, 8:00, 7:45 (goal times)