valentine's day run

Although I usually run in the morning when it's cool, today I ran at lunchtime, and it was already 78 degrees. There were no trees on the route I chose today; I was recalling the agony of the Disney Marathon's 80 degree temps, and by the end of my four-mile run, the heat had gotten to me. I still somehow averaged a 9:22 min. per mile pace, but I didn't feel very good.

The Outback 12K in two weeks, which David recommended, is on my list of things to look forward to. There's a 3K and a 12K, and the best thing about it is that the race ends with steak and other assorted goodies from the sponsoring Outback chain. The race will start at 3:00 pm, (which is good, because who wants to eat steak at 8 am?) but running in the heat today, I started to chicken out. I signed up some friends for the 3K. Should I run the 3K instead to hang with them? Their race starts an hour earlier...

I think I'm still going to run the 12K-- after all, might as well work up an appetite. But I've also decided I won't think about my time at all. It will be just a fun, long run; I won't wear my Garmin, and above all, I will not push myself to be fast. That way, if the weather's hot I'll make it to the finish line without being overly challenged by the heat. My race goals are therefore to have fun, sail along, and look forward to the steak bites at the end.