This is quickly becoming the "run a marthon on a whim" blog... I was lazy Friday and didn't run the prescribed 3 miles. It's been a busy week and I was a bit somnambulent, so I decided to indulge and watch Kill Bill instead. Was tired all today (my body trying to get ready?) so I basically napped/vegged for most of the day. Finally got myself out the door at 5:38. Came back into the room, looked at the clock: 6:33! I was aiming for at the fastest a 9 min/mile which would be about 63 minutes, but not 8 min/mile! I attribute the speed to 1) the new shoes, 2) my haircut (must have lost a good 5 pounds there), and 3) my somewhat diligent training. Next week is 3-6-3-12(!!). Need to find hills...

Addendum: OK, the real reasons are probably 1) I rested on Friday and 2) I actually stopped and walked about 30 steps 3 times throughout the run so maybe that boosted speed?