It's Friday: Life is Good.

Is it possible a runner's high can last through the night?  I woke up giddy this morning. While training hasn't been 'perfect' this week, I'm really happy with my progress.

Yesterday, I procrastinated my tempo run all day. I love to run (I do, I really do!), but the anticipation of these tough pace runs scare me. The plan dictated a 7 mile tempo, with the middle 5 being at 9:14. That's an 'out of my comfort zone' pace. Finally, as my hubby began breathing down my neck with the "What's for dinner?" question, I was suddenly motivated to run. Escape one task with the other.

I still didn't want to tempo per say, but I told myself to start; just run. The cold air felt awesome. The wind was mild (only 8mph) for a change, so 22 degrees felt warmer than perceived. My legs were on autopilot and all just felt right. The first couple mile paces beeped off at me (9:51, 9:43). Too fast for a warmup, but I decided to try the tempo miles anyway. I took it down a notch for the next four miles (9:24, 9:19, 9:19, 9:20). Not a perfectly executed tempo, but it was exactly what I needed, both physically and mentally. One of the best runs I've had in weeks - Totally invigorating!!

I'm not quite at the level of my current training plan. The paces are totally kicking my butt and slightly out of reach, but I'm not giving up. I'm hoping that this hard work, sweat and pain will result in the comeback of some speed. It's so easy to get frustrated when I feel like I'm constantly failing. But I have experience on my side. I've done the Run Less Run Faster training before. Like the past, I'm always behind in the beginning; but halfway through, I usually catch up to the paces. Put in the work and the fruits of labor will come.

Besides a great run yesterday, I'm happy for a number of other reasons. Things are just looking UP in Jess world...

• I spent three hours at the gym yesterday and didn't break a sweat. Say what?!  Our fitness director was training myself (and my best gym buddy) to become instructors of the Powerflex class.  I'm not traditionally a huge fan of strength training. Don't get me wrong... I need it. I just usually slack on it. Now I will have to invest some time and training in order to become a good teacher. After our training, I had a great meeting to discuss a new program I'm creating for our health club (that I will also instruct). I am so freakin' excited for it... (Scream from the mountains EXCITED!) but I don't want to jinx myself - I'll share the news with you when it's final final.

• I actually felt light on my feet last night as I was running. It's such a great feeling!!  I weighed in this morning and am now down -8.6 lbs for the month of January. Just like that, I surpassed 4% goal for Round One of the Run Your A$$ Off weight loss challenge.  Now I have to maintain it until the official weigh-in on Monday. The lure of cashola has really kickstarted me in the last two weeks. As always, weight loss for me is all about not eating crap. Simple as that. Round two starts this Monday, Jan. 28... sign up here today!!

• It looks like the 3rd annual Jelly Bean virtual race will be another success. Registration started two days ago and there are nearly 500 signed up so far. It's FREE to participate, with optional finisher's medal and other goods available to enhance your race. Sign up here.

• I have a 17 mile long run on the agenda for Saturday... but due to bad planning skills and an overzealous runner's brain, I'm also registered for a 5k race. How will that work?  Well, I'm going to bookend the race with miles. By time the morning is done, my tally will be 17. That's the plan anyway.  Are you racing this weekend?