Today I went for a run down the shore for a long run on a familiar stretch! I’m BACK! To say I’m happy to be down at the Jersey Shore is an understatement. This might be my happy place. The simple place where you can escape from the every day rush, enjoy what it has to offer and slow down. Spring Break has started and I’m happy we get to spend some time here.
The weekend consisted of sun on Saturday and wind/rain on Sunday. That means Saturday I’m in it for the long run. With a little uneasy feeling of only two runs this week and my last run being a tough one – I was a little nervous when I stepped out the day midday. This week was another interval long run. I started off looping south, hoping to make my way towards the south end of Seaside, but instead turned around once I saw the crowd on the boardwalk and packed streets.
I looped on side roads before making my way back to the main drag. My warm up was done and it was time to tackle the 2x3mile intervals. I picked up the pace and went with it. (although I did have to toss my shirt at my house because with the wind on my back, it warmed up fast!) First set I held a solid 7:50 pace and just as I was finishing Shawn had caught up to me on his bike. He was the perfect motivation I needed to keep myself moving. We paused, I took my gel and in no time I was ready for the second set. We picked it up and took on the next set. Having Shawn there helped me find a groove as I chased after him on his bike. After a mile and a half it was time to loop back towards the house and take on the wind. No doubt the moment we turned it smacked me in the face. But Shawn kept moving and I matched his pace as we pushed through the gusts. Second set done – 7:45 pace. The remaining cool down was no joke, cool. The wind really picked up off the bay and was gusting in parts where inlets came close to the road.
At the I finished my 13.1 long run, 2x3mile sets and chased after Shawn on his bike. Throw Down Challenge – chase my family on their bikes – done. I needed this run at the shore. It was redemption from earlier in the week and a way to kick off my spring break.
Today I went for a run... 