Day 302, 63 To Go

October 29, 2013

Another day, another run.  That's what this is all about.  Sure, I talk about family, daily routine and life in general, but this is about running.  I sometimes get away from that too often but the reason for that is because running, for me, is so integrated into my life.  This is especially true this year for me.  Running every day, and all that goes along with it (scheduling, recovering, struggling), makes everything else in my life revolve around running.  There are times, like this week, where I have a lot to do at work and the extra work of planning a party, makes running not so much fun.  Still, when I am out there and when my steps fall one after another without me even thinking about it, I am smiling inside.  I am free.  I am powerful.  I am alive!

That is what running does for me every day.  It makes me feel alive and it helps me stay alive!  Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.68 miles

Pace: 8:09/m

Max Pace: 6:40/m

Calories: 398

Avg HR: 144

Max HR: 160

Today was a fast one.  I felt good and I needed a release, so I pushed the pace.  I was actually disappointed with my final pace, but after reviewing each mile, it was the first mile where I was still loosening up that caused me to not drop below 8 min per mile.  Whatever.  I had fun!

Speaking of fun, let's take a look at the next run on the 10 Runs Every American Must Do from Active.com.  This is one I have done and until I do some of these other ones, will remain one of my most favorite runs.  I never got tired of this run, no matter how many times I did it, and I did it plenty!

The volcano cone dominates the Honolulu skyline, but it doubles as a great place to go for a run. Start at Kapiolani Park and take the circular Diamond Head Road all the way around the crater, about 5 miles, until you're back where you started. You can circle the perimeter of Kapiolani Park—Honolulu's headquarters for active people—and add another couple miles to your memorable run.

I loved this run.  I used to do a 10k loop that started at Kapiolani Park that circled the Honolulu Zoo, went up Monserrat Ave which was about a mile long hill, then circled Diamond Head and passed by the ocean which was hundreds of feet below.  It was simply gorgeous.  It was also a run you did not do in the middle of the day unless you wanted to fry.  Hawaii has some great trade winds that helped cool you off, but it did get pretty hot and the sun was RIGHT there, cooking you.  So, I didn't do that too often.  I do hope to do that run again soon.  I just loved running around Kapiolani Park which bordered the ocean and there are very few ocean views more spectacular!  I say go do it now!!

Run for Life!!