The Day I Ran 26.2 Miles...

I have never really written a "race recap".  So bear with me...let's jump in- shall we?

Fast forward through the 16 intensive weeks of marathon training, arranging people to watch my kids while I run 3+ hour runs, the feeling of being CONSTANTLY hungry (or rungry as some call it), and that ever present butterflies in your stomach because pretty soon your little body is going to be out on that course running 26.2 miles!!!!!!

Race day morning:  Cheri and I stayed with my aunt in Floyds Knobs (right outside of Louisville).  We woke up around 4:00 (3:00 our time) so we could eat, drink, and go to the "bathroom" in plenty of time.  We were a walking ball of nerves.  I tried to take a warm bath and broke my aunt's coffee cup  :(.  We left a tad bit later than we wanted to, but knew we would be fine.  Drive there was perfect; parked in a great place; had trouble finding the starting line though!!!  We arrived at the starting line porta potty area and stood in line for FOREVER!  In fact we stood there so long, the gun went off and the race STARTED!  Talk about freaking out!!!!  Since neither one of us is speedy Gonzalez, we were just fine.  We hugged and I ran off with my 4:15 pace group.

Miles 1-7:  These were good miles.  We spent a lot of time weaving in and out of people in the first few miles, and I really focused on staying with my group.  Pace group personalities began to show, and I realized that there were some pretty obnoxious.  My plan was to run, not chat so I thought it would at least be entertaining.  

Mile 8: We entered Church Hill Downs!  This was a really neat experience.  I have never been, so to actually be out in the center was too cool.  It was a little smelly though!  Finally the half marathon runners split and left us, which was great!  It was so crowded.

Miles 9-11: Good miles.  No complaint.  Kept with group.

Miles 12-15: Iroquois Park...need I say more?  Cheri and I had driven it the day before, but you cannot get a good sense of the elevation in a car.  I was sooooo thankful that I was with the pace group during this part.  The course went up and "incline", level out, descend, up, up again, descend, level out, up, level, descend....well you get the picture- torture on my legs.  They could never recover.  There was a guy standing on the side of the road yelling to us that we couldn't complain, we had paid for this!  I had to chuckle; he was right!

Miles 16-19: Things were good during these miles too.  I never felt like I was working too hard.  And I was getting REALLY excited to meet up with my family at mile 20!  I called my mom at mile 18 or 19 and told her I was coming up and got chocked up with emotion!

Mile 20:  Wave to my family.  LOVED seeing them on the side with posters, smiles, and cheers!!!!  Kevin jumped in with me at mile 20.  LOVED that too.

Mile 21-23: Good miles.  I enjoyed having Kevin beside me.  We stayed a little bit ahead of the pace group just because I was running off adrenaline of seeing my family and having Kevin with me.  But this would change...

Miles 24-26.2:  The dreaded CALF CRAMPS began.  It started as a twinge.  I kinda yelped and missed a step.  Kevin asked what was wrong, I told him but we kept on rolling.  Then the actual muscle began to lock up.  I would run and then BAM!  It hit me out of no where.  I would stumble, scream, and then recover.  I did this for the next two miles.  Needless to say the pace group went on and I felt ridiculous.  I couldn't help but scream out because it was just instant lock up pain!  I was actually afraid of going down!  We made it to the finish chute when all of a sudden it hit me and I did start to go...right there in front of THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE I screamed, cried, and fell.  Kevin came started to massage my calf and pull me up when everyone started to chant, "Jennifer, go Jennifer!" etc.  (Kevin had a bandanna on with my name.)  I was overcome with emotion and gratitude to these people I had never met, but yet had such confidence and belief in me.  Kevin and I ran across the finish line holding hands with tears streaming down my face.  

I had done it, but I hadn't done it alone.  Oh no!  Every step I took was because someone had made a sacrifice so I could be out there on that course.  My parents and in laws took time out to watch the boys, supported me, listened to my ramblings; my dad spent hours studying the course map so he could get everyone to mile 20 per my request; my mom listened to my running stories/ramblings every single time I called her; my co-workers supported me and texted me throughout the ENTIRE race (this meant soooo much to me); my running partner Cheri- my confidant of all things running (and non-running), this would have been a MUCH harder journey without her by my side; my neighbors watched the boys while I ran; my husband supported me, spent time with the boys while I ran, ran 6.2 miles and never let me think that I wouldn't cross that finish line!!!  I am so thankful of the body, determination, and perserverance God has given me so that I was able to accomplish this goal.  

I truly have the BEST mom, dad, hubby, kids, and extended family that a girl could have.  

The funny thing is that while we were training for this, Cheri and I kept saying how dumb we were, and how much we hated it.  But the minute after we crossed that finish line, we were ready to sign up for another one!  And we did!  BG26.2 here in BG in November, and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series in Washington, D.C. in March.  I'm so ready to start up this adventure again...I just hope everyone else is too! :)

Anybody out there?

Hello stranger!  Is anyone still out there???

Well, summer is officially here !!  My brain feels like it can finally sigh and relax.  The stress of school hasn't quite fully left my body, but it's diminishing- and for that I'm thankful!

This summer won't be one full of lazy days by the pool.  No sir!  Life has certainly been different since Kevin picked up a 2nd job- part time at Sears.  So this summer will be momma and three boys at home (or at the pool), while daddy is bringing home the extra bacon! 

Since I will be flying solo a lot this summer, I plan to work intensely with my boys on their academics.  I've gathered up a lot of resources off of Pinterest, from my school, and the web.  I know every day won't be easy, but I know in the end it will be worth it :). 

Kevin won't be working 40 hours a week this summer, so there will still be some family pool time, late night fires, bike rides, and camping trips!  He is going to be off Monday, and for that family time I am eternally grateful.

No post would be complete without the mention of running!!!!!  I can't even update you on all that has happened since January.  But let me tell you the biggest thing...I. AM. A. MARATHONER!  Yes folks, I completed my first 26.2 on April 27th.  That race deserves a blog post of it's own.

Maybe I can post again before another 6 months flies by~  Stay tuned!

Honesty..

It's New Year's Eve and all over Facebook, Pinterest, and blog land are mentions of how great or sucky 2012 was and, of course, everyone's goals for the new year. 

I. just. can't. do. it. this. year. 

I can't sit down and write out all of my goals. 

It. doesn't. work. for. me.

Sure there are a lot of things I want to accomplish in 2013...some personal, some private, some out there in the open for everyone to see.  But I don't want to talk about it.  And honestly, I don't want to read yours.  Debby downer huh?  Maybe.  Or maybe I'm just keepin' it real.

Happy New Year's Eve lovies! 

Just a few things that have been happening around here!  Work Christmas party, my oldest attending a dance and hanging out with a friend, and Mr. Snowy Love getting captured by the natives. 

Thankful part 2

 Here are some more things that are rattling through my head that I am extremely thankful for!!!

• Situations that bring us closer to God.  
• Situations that remind us that we need to be in a state of prayer at all times.
• Situations that remind us that this world is NOT our home.  We weren't made for any of this world- nothing that is has to offer, none of its drama, none of the things we accumulate, etc.
• Normalcy- however crazy normal might be!
• Friday evening long runs that start off with friends, have quiet contemplation time in the middle, and end reconnecting with my friends!
• Saturday mornings spent in pajamas with coffee and my family.  
• Saturdays where I don't have to continuously watch the clock because we have to be somewhere at a certain time.
• Friends that check in on you to make sure you are ok.
• Family that checks in on you to make sure you are ok.
• Planning Christmas lists.
• Making plans for the Thanksgiving holiday!!!!

Thankful

 So basically all of Facebook is on a thankful status kick- meaning beginning on Nov. 1st, they listed one thing they were thankful for each day.  I didn't jump on the bandwagon for many reasons...one being I don't want to feel like I need to be on Facebook every day.  But I am thankful for many things and would like to share them with YOU!

1. God.  He send His only son to die for me (and you).  I am not deserving of His love, grace, and mercy that He gives me every single day. 

2. My parents.  They really are the best.  I'm thankful they raised me in a Godly house.  I'm forever grateful for the values they instilled in me at an early age.  I love that I'm closer to my mom than I have ever been.  And I love that my dad is always there to talk, listen, or advise.  Love you two!

3. Kevin.  He is really the best husband a woman could ever ask for.  God sure knew what he was doing when he put us together.  Love you babe!

4. Dylan, Landen, and Alex.  Three parts of my heart that are walking around every day.  I love them more than they know.

5. Family. My brother, sister-in-laws, mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunt, cousins, etc.  I don't have a lot of family, but what I have is pretty great.  I know that anytime I need any member of my family, they are 100% there for me! 

6. Friends.  I don't think I could make it in this crazy world without my friends.  And I'm so glad that I have different friends!!!!  I have friends that I run with, teach with, go to church with, hang out with, shop with, plan with, etc.  I have friends that I have known for 20+ years, and friends that I have known for 6 months.  God has placed each person in my life for a reason and for that I am grateful.

7. Running.  I. love. to. run.  After a bad day, I just run.  It all ends up on the pavement.  After a great day, I just run.  Still, it all ends up on the pavement.  There's no judgement, no talking, no pretending to be something you're not...just running. 

8. My Health.  I know, I know, it sounds corny...but I am.  I can get up in the morning with out hurting.  I can walk around during the day, run during the week, and basically do what I want.  I don't ever want to take that for granted.

That's enough for tonight folks!  Stay tuned for part 2!

Race Recap

I am a runner.  I run for many reasons.  1-I am able to.  God blessed me with a body that is physically able to run.  2-STRESS RELIEVER!  3-Enjoyment.  5-To take care of ME, both physically and mentally.  4-To run just a little bit better/faster than I did last time. 

While I am no where near an "elite athlete", I am proud of my accomplishments, and I need somewhere to keep track of my races, times, and PR's. 

5K Races
Run for the Sight    Sept '11            29:30
Medical Center     Oct. '11             28:19
Monster Dash       Oct '11              ??:??
Turkey Run           Nov 24, 2011    28:27
Cupid's Chase      Feb 10th, 2012  26:00
Eagle Flight           Mar 3, 2012      25:54        **Second Place Age Group**
Purple Strider       July 27, 2012     25:10       **Second Place Age Group**
Color Run            July 28, 2012     ??:??
Monster Dash      Oct. 27,2012     23:59        **First Place Age group**  PR


4 Miler
Hospice               July 28, 2012    37:03        **Overall Female Winner**  PR


10K
Flying Pig            May 5, 2012       53:50
Medical Center   Oct 13, 2012      47:14        **Third Place Age Group**  PR

1/2 Marathon
Total Fitness Connection    March 30, 2011   2:09:51
Lady Speed Stick              Sept. 22, 2012    1:55:37
BG26.2 and Half               Nov. 4, 2012       1:53:25  **Second Place Age group**  PR

Life Lately in Pictures...

Update on LIFE

 Well, school is officially well underway and my life is passing by like a speeding car!!  I just can't believe how quickly the days go by!  So instead of rambling on with words...I'll show you some pics and update that way!

Our oldest has made the transition from elementary to j.r. high *sniff, sniff*.  He's in the band, and has decided to play french horn!

I did my first 4 miler race on August 11th, and was the first female to cross the finish line.  My time was 33:01, but I know I could have shaved a minute or so off if the course hadn't been so mucked up with 5 inch gravel pits :-(  Regardless, I am proud of that race!

I'm not exactly sure why I took this pictures, or why I am including it on the blog...it's not exactly flattering!  But it does reflect my week- work clothes, in the car, in serious thought about something, probably rushing to get to my next destination. 

 Another fabulous pic...obviously I should win an award for taking iPhone pictures.  Anyhoo!  There is so much background story/information to this picture...I'll have to share later.  But let's just say God answers prayer, and we are so happy to be in each other's lives again!

For some reason, Landen and Alex LOVE to fall asleep in our big bed- even though Kevin takes them to their bed when it's our grown-up bedtime.  This is how I found Alex one night...he had made a cocoon of all the pillows.  Hilarious!

 Ok- so we all know that I couldn't find my way out of a paper bag!  Oh, well- not my talent!  Last Friday some friends and myself went on a long run downtown.  HA!  I had NO CLUE as to where I was going.  It was slightly annoying for me :-(.  So this weekend I decided to be prepared.  I studied the course map, wrote down directions on a post-it, laminated it, and pinned it to my shirt.  Worked like a charm!!!!

  

And finally- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this picture from our church's website!  Our pastor has been preaching on love each Sunday.  It's been just what I need!

So there you go!  My life in a nutshell.  See ya soon!!!

rANdOm

Random is the name of the game folks.  There's a lot going on inside this little head of mine, and I get to spill it all out for Y-O-U!  Your welcome.

#1 Olympics...I've never been real interested, but since I am probably on my way to competing in some type of running event, I wanna see it ALL this year!  I'm actually trying to figure out how we can watch the opening ceremonies since we don't have cable...anyone wanna have us over?

#2 Speed work...for my entire running career (yes all 13 months) I have never participated in this magical speed work.  I've wanted to incorporate it in my training, but have lacked the motivation to implement it...until Tuesday @ 6.  I met a local running group to see what it would be like.  We ran 8 400m repeats @ a 5K pace, and it was way fun!  It took me a while to get my pace right, and I'm not entirely sure it was where it need to be (didn't have my app telling me my pace), but I could tell I was moving faster than my regular runs.  And glory, hallelujah, the next morning my butt and upper thighs were sore!!!  Best. feeling. ever.

#3 School...it's a love hate relationship.  I think that we are all ready to be back in some sort of routine, so therefore, we are ready for school to start.  However, I am not ready for all the things that go with it- early morning wake ups, packing lunches, signing papers, homework, blah, blah, blah.

#4 Races...I haven't raced since May- Flying Pig 10K in Cincinnati.  All of that will change on Saturday though.  I have 2 races back to back.  A local 5K here, and a fun 5K in Louisville- The Color Run!  Then, it's 1 race in August, 2 in September (including a half marathon), 2 in October, 2 in November (including another half), and 0 in December.  I'm slightly nervous about the 5K tomorrow.  My fastest time was a 23:42 and that was the second half of the 10K I ran in May.  For some reason that puts a lot of pressure on me to run that time or faster tomorrow.  YIKES!  Sunday we will be leaving at 4:30 AM...yes, AM- for our Color Run.  Not nervous about that at all.  I am nervous about running 2 half marathons with only 1 month between. I'm sure my body will be 100% cool with that though :)

#5 Pictures for you delight!

Adios!

Eating Clean Is Good For Me!

Yep, that's right!  I'll be honest, I didn't Google what eating clean exactly means...we are rolling with the Jennifer definition.  Here's the deal- when I eat a whole lot of veggies, fruits and greens; some potatoes (white and orange), beans, nuts, and whole wheat grains- I feel sooooo good!!!  

I can't listen to my body though...it's kinda against my whole goal :-(  It wants me to eat cereal, crackers, sugar yummies, processed foods, CARBS!!!!!!!!  Sometimes I have to give in to the cravings, and sometimes that's ok, but 90% of the time I'm on the straight and narrow.

While we were on our cross country trek, we all had to compromise and let go of a few things.  The kiddos didn't have their own rooms to go play in, Kevin didn't have the convince of taking a shower every time a drop of sweat hit his forehead, and I couldn't eat or run like I wanted.  Let's face it- we were basically living out of the back of our Armada! The result was major bloating...and swelling...and complaining!  I felt like a beached whale :-(  Not a good feeling.  It is totally amazing- what you eat really makes a difference!!!!!!  

It took about 2 weeks to get back where I was before we left.  I don't walk around feeling bloated and blah all the time, and my mileage is back to where I want it to be.  So here's my two cents- 1. People eat too much.  It really doesn't take much to fill you up...IF you make the right choices.  2. People eat too much processed food.  If it has more than 5 ingredients, you probably need to make a better choice!  3. People don't eat enough veggies.  They're good folks...I promise!!!!  4. People don't drink enough water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!  And finally, 5. People don't exercise enough!  Get out there and move folks...it ain't gonna kill you to get your heart rate up and sweat for a while!!!  

Crazo Confessions

Here's some random Crazo Confessions for you.  These are some, and I stress some, of the crazo things that I do in my life :-)  Maybe you do some too...enjoy!

• I keep a pile of running shorts, running shirts, sports bras, underwear, and socks on top of the corner of my dresser.
• I sort my underwear by pairs that work for me when I run and pairs that don't.
• I wipe down the toilet seat before I sit if I am anywhere but my house and my family's houses.
• I absolutely will not flush public toilets with my hand.
• The sheets in a hotel MUST NOT go above my shoulders....and that's if it's a 4 star hotel.  3 star hotels don't even make it on my body!  And FORGET about anything less than a 3 star hotel.
• I usually need to rinse out my glasses before I fill them up with a beverage.
• I feel lost without my red aleutian water bottle.
• The bills in my wallet need to be in order with bigger bills in the back of the stack.  
• My breakfast is a protein shake- if not, I feel off all day.
• I cannot wear my running shoes any place except on a run (or to the gym if, and only if, I am going to run).
• I need to arrive at a race at least an hour before. 

Weee're Baaaack!

That's right folks- we're back!  On June 28th the Johnson's rolled back into BG!  We had an ah-mazing vacation!!!!!  I can't begin to tell you all the sights we saw, good times we had, memories that were made...and of course the meltdowns (kid AND adults), the name calling (just kids here), and the 5,952 times we heard, "Are we there yet?".  As it so often is, it was great to go and great to get back home!!!   

Those of you that know me, know what a germ freak I am.  Public bathrooms and shady hotels are not among my favorite things.  This trip has cured me of one of those things though- public bathrooms.  I might rename this summer as....THE SUMMER OF THE BAD BATHROOMS.  We encountered more hole in the ground (literally) filled with crap (literally) in 9,000 degree weather (literally) bathrooms along the way.  And when you gotta go, you gotta go!

Leaving the comforts of home and getting out of your routine really makes you aware of how much a person depends on their routine.  It's no secret that we eat healthy, and that I have a slight obsession with running (yes, slight).  Along our adventure out west we tried our best to continue our healthy eats, but when you are eating out of the back of an Armada for most of your meals, convenience come in and sometimes healthy goes out.  Also, over 18 days I only ran 10 miles.  10 miles...that's horrific!  The scale and I are now arch enemies until the number goes down. And I'm still battling with my body on when it needs to eat.  It's crazy how 18 days can alter the way you eat! 

But, all things aside, it was a great time by all. 

Now- let's talk running!  This morning I ran a fun, local 4K.  It was my first 4K ever!  No monetary entry fee- just bring 4 canned food items.  They did have shirts for $5 (I did buy one), and they were really cute.  It began at the local running store that sponsored it, followed a local park path, hooked up with the Greenway, and then ended at the store.  At ever 1K, there was something to do...10 push-ups, 10 squats, and 10 jumping jacks.  The course overall was really hilly and it was already fairly hot out, so I didn't go all out.  There wasn't a timing system, so I have no clue as to what I finished in (believe it or not I didn't run with my phone!!!), but my dad said that I finished towards the beginning of the pack (we left in waves of 20).  It was a fun way to get a few miles in on the 4th!

Let's talk for a few minutes about running with and without the phone.  I always run with my phone...3 reasons.  1. If something happens I have the ability to call someone.  2.  It has my Nike app on it and it tells me my mileage and pace.  3.  My music.  All 3 of those reasons have been really important...until recently.  Since we have returned, I have been running more at the gym due to the heat.  While there, I have been running without music- no biggie- they have music playing there, and there's t.v.s to look at.  Monday, I woke up and headed out before the heat got too oppressive.  I took my phone for reasons 1, 2, and 3, BUT about 3/4 of the way into my run my music got ANNOYING!  It was hot, I was sweating, and I didn't want to hear anything!  So I took my buds out and went solo.  It was good.  I did it again this morning-  it was a fun run, so I wasn't worried about pace or anything and I didn't feel like I would need my music to "pump me up".  Again, good feeling.  I'm not saying I will never run with my phone again, I will.  I like to know how far I've gone and how fast/slow I'm going.  But I do think I'll run more without my tunes. 

Happy 4th y'all!!

Griswold...Err- I mean Johnson Family Vacation

So today begins what we have been anxiously waiting for since October 2nd.  (I say we loosely, because back then I was the only one excited!)  Today we embark on our Trip Out West!!

I plan on posting pics and short updates on the blog.  I'll check in as often as our surroundings let us!  We would appreciate your prayers for safe traveling, safety at the campgrounds/hotels/cities/national parks, and KEEPING OUR SANITY!!

 Can you believe it?  Dylan is 11...my oldest boy is 11.  It utterly shocks me!  The years just keep rolling by.

I asked if he wanted to celebrate the big occasion with a pool party, but he said no.  I asked about a party at the house, but he said no.  So I asked him what he wanted to do.  He opted for having a friend over to spend the night and dinner out with family.  So that is what we did.  His friend came over around 1:00 and dinner was at 4:30.  It has been a great day, and I hope he has realized how much he is loved by so many people!

Happy birthday Dylan!  We love you.

Can someone please tell me what has happened? 
I had a tiny baby boy.  Then a toddler.  Shortly thereafter he started preschool, then kindergarten.  I turn around, and now he is graduating 5th grade. He will start Jr. high school on August 2nd.  He will no longer be in the same building as his brothers.  A piece of my heart will be in the 6th grade.

Apathy

Y'all I got a case of the apathies.  And yes, that is now a real word.  To be more frank, darling I don't give a damn.  That's right.  Strangely, and thankfully, it only extends to school.  I could care less that my alarm goes off and I should get up and get ready for school.  I could care less that testing is over today.  I could care less that I am taking 22 3rd graders to Beech Bend tomorrow.  I. could. care. less. people.  I am so over this thing called school year 2011-2012.

Give me a couple months off to sit by a pool, soak up some sun...be with my family...travel out west...sleep...run...relax...and I PROMISE, I'll come back 100% refreshed and recharged!  But until that happens, the apathies are taking over.

State Testing = Torture

Yes, that is a self-portrait...how did you know?

We just finished day 2 of testing.   And. I. want. to. jump. off. a. bridge. into. oncoming. traffic.  NO JOKE!  Y'all it's rough.  Obviously idiots came up with the whole state testing idea.  Obviously.  

It is also very clear that I am dramatic.  This is the pic I sent my hubby of me on day 1.  You should have seen the kids...hardee har har!

In other news- I am trying to figure out how to up my mileage to 30 miles a week.  I'd really like to get in 5 & 6 mile runs during the week, but the whole "job" thing is getting in the way.  I'm hoping with summer right around the corner, I can make that dream a reality.  I know you all are super concerned about that. 

Also, here's a bunch of random stuff that I think you should know...

1. Alex's b-day party is Saturday.  Nothing is done for it.  I have only bought the cake mix and frosting.
2. My bank account is sad :-(.
3. Summer is RIIIIIIGHT around the corner.
4. Our vacation is RIIIIGHT around the corner.
5. Testing sucks.
6. I would like to move.
7. I would also like a new wardrobe.
9. Waking up at 5:00 am is getting OOOOOLLLLLDDDD.
10. I don't really have anything else, but I had to end on an even number :-)

Tomorrow is FRIDAY!  TGIF y'all!!!!

The Flying Pig 10K

	NO	FN	LN	DIVISION	OVERALL	DIVPL	SEXPL	TIME	PACE
	26665	Jennifer	Johnson	F 30-34	276	15/292	80/1719	53:41	8:40

Can you make any sense of that mumbo jumbo?  Well, it's the results for my very first 10K race (yes, I have ran a half marathon and not a 10K-until Saturday that is!)!!!  Let me break it down for you-  out of 2,598 people I came in 276th place.  There were 292 people in my age division (30-34) and I came in 15th.  There were 1,719 females and I came in 80th.  My overall pace was 8:40 with a finishing time of 53:41. 

Now, I beg to differ with their timing system.  My Nike app had me at an 8:06 pace with a 51:06 finish time.  It also had the course being 6.6 miles instead of 6.2.  

Regardless, I am happy with those results!!!  It was a fun weekend spent with my brother and sister in law.  Wish we would've had more time, and a few more pics.  Enjoy!

Thursday's Thoughts

So here's how it goes-

I have a training plan on my fridge.  I sorta follow it.  I had some speed work on Tuesday which I replaced with 4 speedy miles.  No biggie.  But then there are days like today, where before I run I formulate a plan...5-6 miles s.l.o.w.e.r.  Nothing fancy.  Then I go out and totally BLOW my plan. 

I have this thing where I can't stand to hear my pace go down during a run.  Start off slow and keep it slow=fine.  Start of speedy and then slow down=traumatizing.  Makes a lot of sense huh?

So my girl (Nike app lady) told me I was running a 9:09 within the first mile.  NOT THE PLAN JOHNSON.  With the muggy weather, I knew it wouldn't be fun keep up the 9:09 pace for 5+ miles.  I tried to will myself to slow down...9:07, 9:05, 9:02...what the heck?  So I ended up with 4 miles at a 9:02 pace.  Not what I was going for. 

I need to work on my pace.  That's my goal after my 10K next Saturday.  Totally pumped about that by the way!