Friday, July 29, 2011

Training - Week 10 - Week 8 of Marathon Training - Thursday - 5 Mile Run In Evening Heat and Humidity

Whoa! The humidity right now is crazy. I was not able to get my run in this morning due to the massive storms and then teaching and then working on the house. Finally, around dinner I was able to sneak out for a 5 mile romp. It is 100 degrees with the heat index and 72% humidity. And the best part....I think I am finally getting somewhat acclimated to the heat. It did not bother as much as it has in the past.

With the Bix on two days away I did not want to go all out. Actually, I was a little worried running so late today, a morning run tomorrow, and then the Bix. I hope it is not too much. I have to do what I have to do to keep on track for my main goal of running a marathon.

I went out nice and easy, but I also wanted to get a little bit of running in around my goal mile pace of 7:51. I ended up running the 5 miles in 39:49 which is a 7:55 mile pace. I felt great actually. I was a little tired towards the end, but I know come race day I will have enough in the tank to push ahead.

I actually was surprised with this mile split because it felt pretty easy and relaxed. Now the Bix course is much more difficult and there are a lot more people to slow me up, but this run really dialed me in mentally to really help me believe that I can hit that 55 minute mark if I am feeling good.

I ran mile 1 in 7:51, then slowed up running 7:58 in mile 2, even slower mile 3 in 8:04, and then I worked on picking things up. I picked up mile 4 in 7:53 and mile 5 in 7:31. This is right where I want to be because I know my mile splits will probably look like this on race day with the hills and people. I know the final two miles I can pick up my pace and finish strong if I do what I set out to do.

A great day of running that hopefully is a sign of a great run Saturday. GETTING IT DONE!

**I did take all of Wednesday off. I was feeling incredibly tired lately feeling quite sluggish, sleeping poorly, and just not myself. I took it easy and slept well, rested, and it was the smartest decision I have made in a while.

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