New York City Runs- NYCRUNS.COM

If there was one lesson I learned about running last fall, it was that I enjoy it much more if I'm performing better. Literally, the faster I run, the more I like running. I love those kind of multipliers too, they make my inner geek warm and fuzzy.

Of course, it becomes a more goal oriented sport for me at that point and this is much more interesting than just being able to slog through another run. I wonder though if there is a greater endorphin release or whatever when you are able to go faster. What do 6 8 minute miles do for me that 6 9 minute miles don't? Where is my mind?

Like I said, I figured this out last fall when I finally started getting close to some PRs for the first time in years. Eventually, I PR'd in two races - The Marathon and the 5 Miler. This gave birth to the "bulletin board" you see in the picture where I now post my bibs from PR races. It also gave birth to a hope that I would manage to maintain the shape I was in throughout the Winter, something that did not happen. You know how much I like the cold...

Now though, I have this nice decent half marathon behind me and the ambition to turn my training up several notches and notch some more PRs. I'll be doing my first speedwork or hillwork of the season on Thursday with The Dusters and I'm planning on a longish run this weekend, maybe a 12 miler if I can keep up with Barnacle, and the rain stays away on Sunday. We'll see. This level of training makes me feel so good about myself though.