Running with your Shadow

As the summer heat has been getting to most of us here in Albuquerque, running in the morning is a must.  The crisp air in the early morning is a delight as the sun is trapped behind the Sandia mountains.  Yet, even at 6am on the river path, the sun will still rise above the mountains and share its light with the Rio Grande Valley.

The Sandia Mountains

Most Friday mornings I find myself running a tempo run along that river path and for the most part, I am by myself.  The only thing I see are oncoming bikers or joggers, bugs, trees, and the occasional Hot Air Ballon floating quietly above.  Every time I get in a good rhythm I notice something running stride for stride with me.  It's obvious that my shadow will be there, but it is only there for a brief amount of time during that one workout, along that one path.  It's shape and movement are perfect at that time of day, a for the second half of my tempo run, I have a partner to run with.  The Shadow doesn't lie or cheat; in fact it helps me keep a decent form and reminds me how important it is to run smooth.  As the direction of the path changes ever-so-slightly, my shadow picks it up and gets a little ahead of me.  I have to remember to maintain an even effort and not try anything stupid - like race your shadow!  That could end in disaster, and still no one would win.  Having it there, at time of day is a great mind pleaser.  So, on tomorrows tempo run, I'll be looking up to the clouds for a clear day, so that down on the ground, I'll have someone there.

With people to run with at Spain

Training:

July, 8th - July 14th
Mon - pm. 8 miles
Tue - am. Track: 5x1 mile (4:57, 4:55, 4:54, 4:57, 4:51) total: 10 miles. pm. 6 miles
Wed - am. off pm. 10 miles
Thur - am. 9.5 miles in the Foothills. pm. 6 miles
Fri - am. 6 mile tempo run (5:29, 5:29, 5:25, 5:30, 5:23, 5:09) total: 10.5 miles pm. 10 miles
Sat - am. 11 miles, pm. 8 miles
Sun - am. 22 miles

Total: 111

July, 15th - July 21st
Mon - Off
Tue - am. 5x1000m (3:02, 3:02, 3:01, 3:03, 3:01) total: 8.5 miles, pm. 8 miles
Wed - am. 6 miles, pm. 12 miles
Thur - am. 10 miles, pm. 9 miles
Fri - am. 8 mile tempo on Tramway (5:39, 5:22, 6:07, 5:46, 5:22, 5:25, 5:33, 5:10) total: 12 miles, pm. 8 miles
Sat - am. 11 miles in the Foothills, pm. 6 miles
Sun - am. 22 miles on Route 66, second half (5:57, 5:55, 5:55, 5:51, 5:52, 5:49, 5:48, 5:57, 5:41, 5:58, 6:37)

Total: 112.5