No, not one of thooooooose days. One of those days where you smoke your long run, feel great and spend the whole day planning for world domination. OK, so perhaps not world domination, perhaps just domination of my own personal running schedule, but a girl can dream, right?
Today I wanted to push a little on my long run... not a lot, just a little. My normal long run pace is 11-11:30, and I wanted to drop it 30 seconds today and push at 10:30-11. I had 16 miles on the agenda. I had a strong first loop (9 miles), but really questioned if I could hold the pace the last 7. But I just kept going. I ignored the aches and the can'ts, and just continued to turn my legs over... one step at a time. By mile 13, I felt the pace slip, but I wanted that sub-11 average on a long run this week. I'm working on pushing through fatigue. But at this point, my intestines started to say no, but I refused to let go of my pace. Much thanks to my running partner today, Robin D, who played my favorite running music... otherwise known as constant chit-chat! Robin is also a good bit faster than me, so it really motivates me to keep moving. She's also the person I always hear in my ear - never finish a run weak... go for the strong finish, you'll feel so much better. So I pushed through it and even pushed mile 16 out at 9:59.
Final average pace for the 16 miles was 10:35 min/mile. Remember, only comparing with myself, that's a really stellar pace for me to keep on a long run in a non-race situation. I was really pleased... but little did I know that the hard part was yet to come.
Robin and I had parted ways by this point because she needed 20 miles instead of 16, and so I was alone... done with my run and 2 miles from my car. Yes, I planned it this way, because when I walk post-long run, I recover so so much faster. But have I ever mentioned how antsy I get walking that far? I couldn't stand it, and I'd find myself starting to run again, then I'd force myself back to a walk. My legs ached, my water was low, the sun had come out... and 30 more minutes to get to the car just sounded like torture. But eventually I did get there, and I'm sure I'll be thankful for those 2 walking miles later.
This run felt like my redemption from the heat we've been stuck in. The weather today was a nice relief and it was nice to be able to hold pace without withering, and I wanted full advantage of it. Looks like Texas might once again be hotter than the sun's core by next weekend. Well, at least I got in this good run!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
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13 comments:
Way to kick some ass!
And I agree with finishing strong -- at the end of my 19 and 20 milers, I always kept the last mile below 10 min/miles -- I would push it for two reasons: to be done with it already, and to prove that I could. (Plus, it's "only" a mile, right?) I figured it helps getting me mentally ready for that last kick before the finish line, that always comes out to be my fastest mile as well.
I miss running... :(
AWESOME job!!! I bet it felt great to push yourself and achieve your goal... my favorite thing about running! :)
That is stellar! Hope you survive the heat!
This makes me smile!! Way to rock it!!!
I read your post right before I head out for my 20miler! I hope I can push as well as you did!! Good job :)
Way to rock your long run Leslie!!!
Glad you had a great running day!
ahhhhhhhhh! so pumped for you! this post brought a huge smile to my face. simply inspiring. love reading when people push through and get stronger! congrats on an amazing run!
Nice work! That not only builds speed, but confidence. Way to go.
Great job pushing yourself!
Woohoo!!! What a awesome long run pace!!! A 9:59 final mile? Dang, lady! I'm glad you fit in such an awesome run while the heat was away.
That weather was perfect. I couldn't ask for more than what we got to run in on Saturday, well except getting to see you twice of course.
Awesome job and yes, the two mile walk was worth it. Good idea.
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