A crisp start to the morning (42F), where I ran most of this run at Watkins Mill State Park with my buddy Travis who ensured I would not be lazy. First three miles were a warm-up, and the goal for the next three was 8:10. We ran 7:57, 8:00 and 8:08. This, despite the fact I'd forgotten how up and down this course was. Sure, there were downhills, but definitely a few uphills we had to push through. I had to really work for that third (sixth overall) mile, with one of the two biggest hills almost at the end of it.Then, easy two miles, nice recovery, and a goal of repeating three more miles at 8:10. Again, I was struggling with the hills a bit, and managed 7:58, 8:15, 8:21, which were flat, small hill, the two biggest hills, respectively. The way the last mile fell out had precisely the two biggest hills, one at the beginning and one at the end. I didn't have the gas to keep it at that pace with the uphills. It was a good effort and I was still strong, despite the 8:21 pace. In fact, I believe had the mile been flat, I might have beaten the 7:57 first fast mile I'd run.
Then two more miles easy to wrap up the recovery and a total of 13 miles. I'm extremely happy with the effort, especially the fact that this run was by no means flat. Better yet--nothing is bothering me. Topped it off with a crossandwich from Sonic--which I believe might have been the best tasting breakfast sandwich in my entire life. I thought I might have died and gone to heaven.
Watkins Mill Run from Garmin Connect - Details
Hi Alex--I found your Boston qualifying blog a couple of weeks back and have to say, you are an inspiration! I started my own blog and Boston quest last month, and referred to you in my last post (see bqby40.blogspot.com). I'm glad you're back to running and feeling good again. Thanks for the great advice--I am looking forward to putting a lot of it into practice (though your diet scares me--I am a *huge* sweet tooth).
ReplyDeleteTerzah
Terzah, Thanks for the visit, pointing me to your blog and the shout-out! I really enjoyed the reading--you are a great writer and have the right attitude. Looking forward to following along :) --Alex
ReplyDeleteAlex,
ReplyDeleteGreat workout earlier today. I'm impressed.
Link to my MCM Non-Race Report
http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/runner-communities/masters/mcm-phils-dns-race-report/.0
Phil,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sending me the link to your post! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I tried to comment, but after about three errors trying to registry a user name to post on the discussion forums it bumped me all the way back out. I'll try again later :)
You are very fortunate to have gotten into Boston as quickly as it sold out this year! I was going to register that week, but sounds like I'd have had only a few hours to do it.
So sorry to hear how sick you got, especially after battling out the cataract surgery. My dad is having that done in both eyes next month, and I am flying down to help out (driving and such). Glad you hear you recovered well.
What an awesome 10K time, congrats! My fastest 5K was 22:00, so I can really appreciate a 44:01 time!
p.s. Maybe i should find a belly-dancer costume, what a great tip! --Alex
Alex,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the response. Keep in mind that it was Halloween, so the belly dancer costume fit right in.
e-mail is taxdemoboy@gmail.com
Take care, and keep up the good workouts.