#brooks hyperion max

[cmjhawk86]

I did my first long run since last month’s half marathon today, about 9.3 miles or 15k depending on your preferred system of measurement. Today was also the day that the summer humidity this area is known for decided to descend upon us. So, not surprisingly, it made for a grueling run. My shirt was drenched after 4 miles but I just slogged along until it was done. Every year it takes a little time to acclimate to summer conditions here. The dewpoint today was 66° which, while uncomfortable, is nowhere near the peak dewpoints we will see over the summer. It will take time but I will adjust.

[cmjhawk86]

I finished up a step-back week in this half marathon cycle today with a long run that a few weeks ago would have felt very long, but today, not so much. I’ll be back to hitting 13-14 miles next weekend. As for today, since it was shorter, I added in some threshold miles to keep things interesting, 3 miles with a half-mile recovery after each of them. The first one was pretty quick but on the next two I slipped back. I guess that just means there is more work to be done. And it will be. I will be fit by race day. 7 weeks to go.

[cmjhawk86]

It was a good day and I had to work for it at the end. 12 miles for today’s long run. When I started this plan, a long run of 7-8 miles was challenging. I’ve got 8 weeks until a half marathon in Utah and I’m already almost at HM mileage. In fact, I’m planning to hit 13.1 next week and nab that Strava badge. It feels good to be back in this place. I’m slow compared to my old self but I’m in the arena and that is a good thing.

[cmjhawk86]

I had a nice long run, not particularly fast but very relaxed (HR 122). I tried out my new Brooks Hyperion Max shoes, the Brooks offering to the carbon plated super trainer field. I didn’t run any faster but I have to say the ride was extremely smooth. I felt almost no joint stress for the entire 7+ miles. It feels good so far to be building up my mileage again and I think the Hyperion Max will be the shoe that sees me through the higher mileage days.

The weather today was also amazing. It seems the sweltering humidity of midsummer is gone. Well, we will see about that.