Holiday running in PA - 2007 planning

Reporting from Western PA in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, we're wrapping up a Christmastime visit to my in-laws. On the running front, I got out on Monday and Tuesday this week, with a break today.

Coolest Christmas gift came from mother-in-law (aka M.I.L.), which was the Amphipod RunLite 4 belt. Thanks, Mil!

The local landscape is extraordinarily hilly. The saving grace is a trail about 1 mile from my in-laws that has a steady but reasonable grade upward for several miles, which seems better than the steep, rolling variety.

The positive is that you get to glide down on your way back from an out-and-back. Weather has been mild here and the IT band has been sore but tolerable, as was the case during the 10 miler last Saturday. I couldn't pack "The Stick" due to suitcase constraints, so I have been trying to stretch diligently.

Monday - 5 miles - 38:45 - 7:45 pace
Tuesday - 6 miles - 45:50 - 7:40 pace
Wednesday - Rest today
Tomorrow - Another 5'er

I'm on track for my 32 mile target this week, assuming I can knock out 12 on Saturday. However, I have high school friends coming into town for New Year's, and we know they'll want to be out every night this weekend.

I want to run with Team CARA early Saturday morning, but it will be tough since my old pal will be in town and I can't tell him I need to go to bed at 9:30.

I've lined up my 2007 life goals and plans, which includes my running plans. I will share them on a post over the next couple of days.