Yesterday I had an AWESOME run. That combined with the beautiful sunny afternoon kicked me out of the rut I have been hanging in for the past few days!
I was a little apprehensive heading into this run, since I am now ramping up my mileage slowly to get in fighting shape for my fall half marathon. I did 8 miles total: 2 mile w/u, 5 mile cutdown (8:55, 8:45, 8:35, 8:25, 8:15 – No rest), 1 mile c/d.
I have always known that I would be a better distance runner than a sprinter. It takes me a good couple of miles before I feel like I really hit my stride. This is why, although I balk at 2 mile warm ups, they are a VERY good thing for me.
I felt great going at an easy pace and then I just kept upping the speed, I actually finished the last 0.4 miles at mile 7 at 6:45! Progression runs are also great at breaking up the monotony of a treadmill run. Your run is broken up into more manageable one mile chunks.
Yesterday was also a great day because I got to hang out with friends for our biweekly dinner and play date and the man in brown showed up with my GU Energy Labs delivery. One of the bonuses of being sponsored by GU is getting to order supplies quarterly at a great discount! Thanks GU!
I have been using the GU Recovery Brew in Orange-Pineapple after speed work and long runs with great results. More on that later—with an awesome giveaway!
This weekend I plan on piling on the miles—7 easy on Saturday and 12 on Sunday with w/6 x 60 sec surges @ 7:40 pace w/5 minutes of easy between starting at mile 7. My legs will definitely be tired on Monday! 
I didn’t get to comment yesterday, but wanted to say I’m sorry about the funk- those days come. Glad you’re feeling a little better. And wow, lots of miles for you this weekend! 🙂
I’m loving progression runs lately, too. It’s so hot here, that the thought of a tempo run is overwhelming, but once I get going, I can chip a little off each mile and feel like I still got a good workout in.