No Line On the Horizon?

Bono and the boys of U2 have been a consistent thread throughout my childhood and adulthood. I think I wore through the groves on my vinyl copy of "War"

So, it was easy to get up for my tempo run this morning at 4am and download their new album "No Line On the Horizon".

And then I thought "Could this be a metaphor for my current improvement and condition?"

I also came to the realization that too many people use metaphors incorrectly, but with good intentions. So, let me think this through..... A horizon is some type of separation between earth and sky.. right? But, you can never get close to it..... Not sure if this metaphor will work.

Let's go to the dictionary (I used www.dictionary.com)

definition 1
the line or circle that forms the apparent boundary between earth and sky.
...doesn't work as a metaphor

definition 2
Astronomy.
a. the small circle of the celestial sphere whose plane is tangent to the earth at the position of a given observer, or the plane of such a circle (sensible horizon).
b. Also called rational horizon. the great circle of the celestial sphere whose plane passes through the center of the earth and is parallel to the sensible horizon of a given position, or the plane of such a circle (celestial horizon).
.......uhhhhh Bueller?

definition 3
the limit or range of perception, knowledge, or the like.
BINGO!

I know I have said I hate the term "Running is 90% mental", but I am guilty of letting my preconceived limits haunt me. I have been wondering where my range or limit was with my upper range.

Today, I increased the tempo segment from 9.5mph to 9.7 mph (6:11) pace.

I knew I could probably do it, but I was still very anxious. I then remembered that 2.5 miles into the tempo segment I always seem to calm down. So I went for it.

Right off the bat, the pace felt comfortable. No problem...is the treadmill motor burning out?

2.5 miles into the tempo segment, my hear rate begins to drop (hmm, it was only in the mid 150s). It dropped to..... 142?

It stayed there for almost the whole 8 mile segment

So,

2 mile warm up @ 7mph
8 miles at 9.7 - avg hr 144 - max 155
2 mile cool down @ 7mph

I wasn't even winded, or the least bit sore.

So, I go upstairs to share the good news with my wife. She gives "the look"....as in "do you really think I give a crap?"

No respect. I guess it is better that way.

So now I am dying to test this in real life. I don't think for a second that treadmill = real world running, but the improvement is relative and linear.

I might have to sign up for the Human Race 8k and show the old gang I am not always going to be a "mid packer".

The title of this post is a question, so I will end with a statement.

I see No Line On the Horizon