Today I had a 6 mile “race pace” run planned. Unfortunately, I haven’t figured out my planned race pace. As much as I’d love a sub-2 half, I don’t think I’m ready to run 13 miles at a 9:09 pace. So, I decided to run at about a 9:20 pace. I hurried home from church and hit the road so that I could run before it got into the 70s.
I did the first mile a bit too fast at 9:06, but it was largely downhill, so I didn’t worry too much. Somehow, I did mile 2 in 8:47. Oops. I made an on the spot decision to turn the run into a tempo run and did miles 3 and 4 at about 8:45 as well. Mile 5 was my usual recovery “I’m about to puke” pace of 9:19 and then I managed to speed up for the last mile to 9:10. I ended up finishing the 6 miles in 54:04. I had Garmin set to show me average speed per lap, not overall time or I would have sped up sooner and finished in under 54 minutes LOL.
It did end up getting pretty warm today, so I’m glad I got the run in “early”. I’m just not ready yet for sunscreen and sweat when running. I was a bit dehydrated from spending all day yesterday at the park with the kids, so I need to remember to drink more water next weekend before the race. I did have a beer last night (a Hook and Ladder Brown) and that may be why I ran so fast to start. ;o)
At least you knew that it wasn’t a race pace run and modified the plan to someting that worked for you. Just be careful not to overdo it. Aren’t you supposed to be tapering? 😉
Great job on the run! Way to switch to tempo so quick. Some days, you just have to adapt and move with the pace your body is telling you to go.
I have to tell you, sometimes I have my best runs after drinking beer.Sounds like you’re doing great.
Great job, Speedy!
Don’t sell yourself short, I think you can totally run sub 2! Is the race next weekend?
After reading your blogs, I’m thinking of putting beer in my fuel belt instead of water! You’ll do great for your half, with or without beer. LOL
LOL @ Rookie on the Run’s comment! 😀 If it works for her, I’ll try that too! Awesome job on the speedy tempo run!
Ohhhhh I so can’t wait for sunscreen and sweat. You crazy girl ;-)Killer job on that tempo. And ITA with Marci! Don’t sell yourself short chica! Sub 2 can def happen!
well look at you, magically running faster :0)
I’m definitely hoping my body will start acclimating to the warmer weather. Nice job adjusting your run so that it worked for the pace your body was in the mood for and the time of day. I doubt I could ever do an impromptu tempo– I dislike them too much.
I kinda hope Spring is here to stay so I can get used to running in the heat. I hate when it gets all into the 70s one day and then the teens the next and then the 60s – since we’re headed toward the HOT, I say, Bring THAT on!The heat doesn’t seem to’ve hurt you much, sister.I believe in the power of beer, but the power of ONE beer 12 hours previous? You’re living in a fantasy world if you think THAT had any effect!By which I intend no disrespect to beer.
See, you’re faster than you think! It’s all that hard work paying off.
Great speedy run – I think you are ready for the sub-2!
Speedy! I hope you get some colder weather for the race. It’s supposed to be colder here later in the week, so I bet it will be for you, too. Hope your rest days aren’t too hard on you this week!
I am working on sub 2 hours myself so I am sending you great vibes! Good luck!
Well, there you go! You ARE in solid shape for a sub-2 half!!