Thursday 11.0 miles/1:28:05/8:01 average pace
This would be like my best training run ever. The only time I've ever run faster for this distance is my Half Marathon PR back in Feb. 2006, when I averaged 8:00 pace for the 13.1 mile distance.
I was dreading this run all day, which taught me a lesson in just getting it done in the morning. Thinking about it and planning it and generally NOT looking forward to it was exhausting. Especially since it was a Tempo run, so I knew it was going to be hard. An easy run I wouldn't have stressed as much, but this one was really hanging over my head. In summary, morning running is much better all around.
However, it turned out to be the best freaking run ever! The schedule called for 11 miles with 6 miles at Tempo pace (7:45 ish), the rest at an easy/general aerobic pace. Well I started off pretty strong... faster than "easy" but slower than "tempo." Whatever, I figured, I'll go with it. Maybe it'll turn into a long Pace run or something. But I just kept speeding up and continued to feel great. Zach came out on his bike and met me with 2.5 miles to go so I cranked it up even more. Here's my splits:
8:33
8:25
8:18
8:03
8:07
7:59
7:50
7:42
7:53
7:48
7:25
Sweet. What a confidence booster! I hope I can be recovered enough to duplicate this effort in the Half Marathon Sunday. I don't have any hard goals for that- I'd love a PR (current pr: 1:44;54) but I need to remember this isn't a big goal race, and I have a training schedule to resume next week. So I will put a good effort in, but I won't kill myself out there. And I'm willing to make it a Goal Pace run if I don't have the speed in me. Nice little pre-excuse. :) But after yesterday's run I think I can PR with relative ease. We'll see!!
Friday 4.0 miles/36:36/9:09 average pace
It was pouring this morning so I went to the gym and ran on the treadmill. Pretty boring. I was really looking forward to sitting in the hot tub but I didn't have time. Bummer. I am seriously a hot-tub addict, I wish I had one of my own. Some day I will! And I will soak my life away. Run, soak, repeat.
Have a great weekend everyone! I'll report back on the Half asap. :)
7 comments:
Wow - that's smoking fast!! And you got FASTER at the end!
I'm totally looking forward to your 1/2 mary report. Go rock that thing!
You looked really strong at the end of the run last night - I'm sure Sunday will be great!
Amazing splits!!! You rock!
Good luck on the half! Be sure to leave a little in the tank. I'm looking forward to the report! Pretty cool that Zach was able to ride the last part with you.
Your excitement about this run is infectious--way to go! Those are some awesome splits. Good luck with the half on Sunday. I can't wait to hear about it. :)
WOW!!! Awesome splits. Man you are FAST!!
Good luck at the half, look forward to the report.
Very, very sweet, sweet, run, run. ;-) Looks like your training is going excellently. Good luck in your race Sunday.
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