Gonna Fly Now

Well, that settles it - I signed up for the 5k for Sunday! Looking forward to it - definitely gunning for a PR, and hoping to crack 21 minutes.
Yesterday turned out to be a really good workout day. My triathlete bud Mark picked me up in the morning and we went to the Y together. Rowed 6000 meters in 30:30, and then did some weights. Went home, did 15 minutes of plyometrics and read Beneath the Crosses: Catholics and Huguenots in Sixteenth-Century Paris. My PhD comps are in October (2 days before MCM), and I have over 100 books to read before them. That may sound daunting, but I am actually very excited - lot of good ones to read. Plus, this is part of my career choice, it would be silly if I didn't enjoy the process. That is one of the nice things about being home for a little while - it gives me the chance to train and read uninterrupted by school. Plus family time too! Then after dinner, I went to the gym with my parents (it was their 30th anniversary!). I did 4 miles on the elliptical and some more weights. My parents continue to impress me. My mom has really picked it up with the strength training - if I can incorporate some of that into my own routine, I'll be all set!
Today I got up and started another book: Saint Jerome in the Renaissance. Then headed out for some mile repeats. It was a bit cold and drizzly, but that actually was good weather for a track workout. I get hot and sweaty enough without it being in the 70s. It was my goal to do 3 x 1 mile repeats all under 7:00 pace and hopefully faster and faster:
6:56, 6:45, 6:32!
Hot dang! And while they were fast, I could've gone a little faster. So, I think I will be in good shape for Sunday - a little rest and a little adrenaline will help too. Also had on Rocky to get a bit psyched. And speaking of which...
This confirms your registration for the HALF MARATHON!
I registered for the Philadelphia Half Marathon in November! I have been wanting to do it for a couple of years, and it seemed like the perfect time. It is just over a 2 hour bus ride from DC, and easy to get to. It is flat and fast - perfect conditions for a PR. I am hoping to move from 1:34:37 to maybe 1:32 or so. We'll see - 6 months away, and that will be my peak fall race. My race calendar will be a lot fuller this season, that is for sure!