this afternoon I had to work and then I was headed to NY for the weekend. But in between those two things, I had some time to get in an easy few miles. I decided to just head out from the parking lot of my job at Christiana Care's PMRI location to the track off route 141 that belongs to Ursuline Academy. conveniently enough from lot to track is 1 mile. I didn't know this going in, but by the time I got near the track I figured it had to be close to a mile away. My plan was to do 5 miles, figuring ~1 there, 1 back, and 3 on the track where I could figure out what pace I was going. I wound up doing a bit more just to be on the safe side...and because I felt so good! This was also the first run of the year I used sunblock and ran shirtless because it was so frakkin' hot and I was sweating just walking around. Took an ice water and was off. Here's the damage:

5.5 miles in 45:24 (8:15 pace)

including:
PMRI to track (1 mile)- 7:30.09

3.5 miles
Lap 1- 2:06.50
Lap 2- 2:10.42
Lap 3- 2:09.40
Lap 4- 2:07.40 (8:33.72 mile)
Lap 5- 2:07.53
Lap 6- 2:07.85
Lap 7- 2:06.03
Lap 8- 2:09.45 (8:30.86 mile)
Lap 9- 2:04.99
Lap 10- 2:08.40
Lap 11- 2:06.91
Lap 12- 2:06.41 (8:26.71 mile)
Lap 13- 2:04.30
Lap 14- 2:06.20 (4:10.50 half mile)

track to PMRI (1 mile)- 8:13.07

The first mile was quick thanks to the pretty big downhill from PMRI to the track and fresh legs. I had the track all to myself which was nice. As you can see by the lap splits, I was pretty good about being consistent with my pace. I felt absolutely fine as far as effort level- this DEFINITELY qualifies as easy pace now, and I kept it right where I wanted it. Running on the track itself was such a wonderful and welcome change of pace from running on asphalt and concrete! It felt like I was running on air almost, and my legs felt so good I really had to concentrate on not pushing. The heat actually helped me keep my pace honest, because I knew if I pushed harder I'd definitely lose it quickly and cramp up. Overall, the end of a very good week of running, 4 days in a row! Next week...30+ miles and ramping up to 50 by the end of June!