Tempo Ride and Wickham Park Run

Brownie's first long lope was on the plan today. After a slow warm-up mile walking and jogging, we got to the jungle trails, shifted into third gear and stayed there for the next 2.5 miles. There were just two or three occasions when he broke down to a trot because the corner was too sharp, but I didn't have to push him anytime else. Just sat very relaxed on a lose rein and enjoyed the ride.

As it was already noon I could ride in a t-shirt and Brownie was sweating quite a bit, but the air was so dry that his winter coat dried very quickly.
Back at the barn I had him walk for another 10 minutes or so in the arena, just to have an hour of riding time.
It was a really good ride, especially when considering that he's never - at least with me - loped for that long without rest.
I feel that he's really getting in shape now and can't wait to do an endurance ride with him.


In the afternoon I picked up a new pair of running shoes, the Mizuno Wave Inspire V, which I will wear in the Arizona Rock'n'Roll Marathon on January 18. I took them to Wickham Park to break them in.

These shoes are so light and fast, I couldn't believe it. I don't think I've ever run six miles that fast at a training run. It was supposed to be a recovery run, but it was so much fun and was so easy.
After the run I took a little cool-down walk in the park and some pictures of an awesome Florida sunset which made me so completely unjealous of all the snow they have in other countries right now.

PICS CLICK HERE!