What a concept

It's amazing how much easier it is to run when I follow the rule of not letting more than 3 days go by without running.  I'm going to start holding myself to my old every other day schedule again. 

I'd started slipping on that by first starting to take it easier on myself on pace on my short runs then convincing myself, "Well, I don't have time to  get in my full 3 miles before work because I'm too slow" then just skipping those runs altogether.

Decided this morning that instead of setting a 3 mile goal on work days, I'd set a 30 minute limit and just get in as much distance as possible, but know that I only need half an hour.  A light bulb went off when I realized this is a lot smarter in more than one way  --  duh.  If I set a limit of half an hour, and don't skip runs, I may actually get to the point where I can get in my full 3 miles in said 30 minutes.  That's been my goal.  I want to be a real runner who can run a 10 minute mile, consistently.

So, that's the deal now.  On work days, 30 minutes.  On off days, 4 miles and then my long run.  That will be my half marathon training schedule, which will be my schedule for about 4 or 5 months as I have a half marathon per month coming up.

And, after doing my half hour this morning, I feel great.  I'm remembering that I actually do love to run.  I feel like I've cheated myself for the last few months by convincing myself that running is a chore to be avoided.  It's actually a favor I do for myself.