full moon fever

How early is too early?

I found out Wednesday morning - I guess it was morning technically...

First of all, I woke up early on Tuesday to get in my 8 mile run with 4 miles at half marathon pace. I wanted to do this run while it was comfortably cool. It was a great run - quiet with a clear sky and the full moon as bright as could be. Not wanting to lose my momentum and having a very early departure time to head up to Michigan for a long day of meetings on Wednesday, I woke up at 3am.

What?!

Yes, Three. A.M.

It was only a 4 mile recovery run, but I didn't want to skip a run if I could help it. So there I was, running in the eerily quiet streets of my neighborhood, not a single car on the road and the only sounds were from crickets and air conditioners. It was the kind of quiet you hear/see in horror movies. But I got my run in and was able to get to the office in time to get some work done before we left. I didn't get home that night until 8pm - very tired and very hungry.

I slept in a little yesterday, so didn't get a chance to go out for my run in the morning so it was a run after work in the heat and humidity. I was still tired from my trip, so I decided to cut it short. Surprisingly my pace was faster than I intended and that was on hills. Maybe I am regaining my speed? Anyway, I got towards the end of my last mile and I coaxed myself into one more mile. I felt better for getting that extra mile in even though I shorted myself 3 miles.

So now the question is: Do I run tonight or rest and focus on a good long run (18 miles) Saturday? I am leaning towards the rest...