I couldn't have asked for better running weather this morning. It started out around 68 degrees. In August. In Texas. After the sun came up, there was a nice light breeze to help keep things cool. When it is nice and cool like that I try to run my hardest since I have a goal to run a half marathon in under 2 hours. I ran within my "goal per mile times" which is between 8:45 and 9:00 per mile. It's not a lot but I also ran a negative split this morning and did a hill repeat (at the end of my run!) while keeping my pace about the same.
| 1 | 9:09.4 | 1.00 | 9:09 |
| 2 | 8:48.4 | 1.00 | 8:48 |
| 3 | 9:03.1 | 1.00 | 9:03 |
| 4 | 8:40.4 | 1.00 | 8:40 |
| 5 | 8:52.4 | 1.00 | 8:52 |
| 6 | 8:45.4 | 1.00 | 8:45 |
| 7 | 8:54.2 | 1.00 | 8:54 |
| 8 | 8:48.6 | 1.00 | 8:49 |
| 9 | 8:23.6 | 0.94 | 8:55 |
All this week I have been hitting the speed training and cross training hard, so I was a little worried about how my legs might feel. I think it is safe to say my legs were fine.
I absolutely love runs like this. It helps keep me motivated during the summer when good runs like today are hard to come by cause it gets so hot forcing me to slow down. I'm really enjoying my speed class as well. I've learned some good running techniques that are helping me with my form and speed.
I can't wait to run my fall half marathons. I am aiming to finish under 2 hours in either my October (Michelob Ultra Half Marathon) or November (DRC Half Marathon) races.
Today was both a good and a tough run. I started, as usual, with tight muscles. My Achilles tendon started out fine and last through most of the run. After about 3 miles my muscles loosened up and I was able to get into a more comfortable pace.
It wasn't until after mile 9 that my Achilles tendon really started hurting and I had to start walking. The last two miles were the hardest as it seemed every leg muscle was exhausted and I just didn't have the will power to try to leg it out.
I suspect my legs were worn out at the end of the almost 14 miles because I have subconsciously modified my form & stride and so I am most likely working my legs harder than if I wasn't injured.
I iced my ankle as soon as I got home and so I hope it helps with the recovery process. I'll roll my legs and IT Band as soon as I get this entry posted.
I'm still going to my boot camps to continue my cross training but I am modifying some of the exercises if my Achilles tendon starts hurting. Calf raises actually seem to help reduce the pain so I try to do those whenever possible. I need to try to do them multiple time throughout the day.
Today I feel like I had a really good run. Ran with an average 9:44/mile pace and felt strong throughout the run. It was humid but the temps were in the 50s. The first three miles were pretty hilly as we were running in the Plano Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. After that we went out and ran a pretty normal route for the remaining seven miles.
During the run I talked with my trainer how I keep flipping back and fourth mentally on the upcoming marathon where I wonder about what I've gotten myself into and then knowing I can do it. Of course having a good run this morning only helps me build more confidence in my ability.
I have been eating a granola bar before each of my long runs and it seems to really help with giving me the energy I need for a solid run. My trainer suggested a product called UCAN, which is an energy solution that you can take before or after a strenuous workout or run. I am going to see about picking up some of the powder from her before our next run next weekend. If it works I'll need to drink about 8 to 12 ounces before leaving my house for a run.
Anxious to see what distance we'll be running next week. Perhaps 15 miles?
Had another good training run this morning. Ran just under 10.7 and kept my average pace under 10:00/mi which is a training goal of mine. I have a race next weekend and I feel pretty good about it right now. If I run at my training pace, which is between 9:15 and 9:45 per mile, I will finish with a time between 2:01 and 2:07, which would be mega-awesome!
I did better on my fueling this time around but still struggled with my hill repeat at the end of the course. Perhaps it is since I am running near my hardest that I really have very little strength/endurance left to just power through. This is a hill we run on a fairly regular basis and I know I can conquer it will relative ease but when I am at the end of a run it is just killer.
I still have the dry heave issue and I just think it is my body not liking the cold water hitting the stomach while my body is a little stressed due to the start of the run. Lately I haven't had trouble with heaves as the run progressed.
So right now the weather forecast for the race has low in the 40s with a high in the 60s. This could pose a challenge as my cold gear starts getting too hot in the mid-40s range so I'll be keeping a close eye on the forecast. I'm excited about this race because it will mark the end of a four race challenge I started last year in the spring. I am signed up for two more races in this series of races so that I can be a Streaker and then race any half marathon with this production company for $50.
