The LAST long run before Big Sur.
My *coaching staff* had recommended a long run of no more than 6-7 miles, so that is what I had on the books.
When I set out this morning, I had no idea it would be one of the BEST feeling runs I’ve ever had! :)
With the help and conversation of the best running buddies in the world, the TRC knocked down a fantastic 7 miles together.
We set out at 6:30 am – a little later today – 53 degree temperature – and ran the first mile straight through. According to Pat’s garmin – we maintained about a 12:38 pace. That’s pretty darn good for a Pokey fresh out of bed on a cold AZ morning!
After a walk break at the first mile, the gang agreed to try the walk/run method that I had experimented with in the past, AND am considering using at Big Sur next weekend.
So we set out for the next 6 miles at 3 min run/30 second walk intervals.
I could blab about this for quite a while, but I will just say it ROCKED!!!
Lisa kept hearing mysterious beeping noises in her head, which she tried to convince me were from my watch, indicating our walk break (see me rolling my eyes?)….but in the end, we all agreed it worked out wonderfully.
Per Mr. Garmin, our running intervals averaged a 12:28 pace; the overall average (including the walk intervals) was 13:08 over the entire 7 miles.
Oh yes - this average also includes the 6:27 pace for the entire 272 feet that Pat and I ran when he wanted to race to the finish :P He beat me, so my pace was slightly slower than 6:27…and I’m sure it’s the only sub-7 minute mile pace this Pokey will ever see!!!
I felt fantastic during the entire run, even at the end. Was it the intervals? Was it the Cytomax gel that I tried for the first time? Not sure. But I’ve learned not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Back when I started this thing, I could never even imagine myself running 7 miles. And I certainly didn’t ever imagine that I would ever be at a point where a 7 mile run felt great, during AND after the run. I am not the least bit sore, or tired… I just feel AWESOME.
Today I realized that I am as ready as I am ever going to be for this half marathon. Nothing I can do this week will change my performance in any way. I have done all I can do to this point. I guess that means I am officially *READY.*
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11 comments:
Awesome job!!!! You are definitely ready - I'm glad you're feeling so confident. Yay!!!!
Great job Pokey. I wish it was going to 53 tomorrow morning for my 10K. Looks like about 40. That's why I don't usually race this late in the year.
I'm so excited for you! You are totally ready, and you're going to rock the Big Sur! It's so inspirational to hear you being so confident and ready, too. I read your words and think "I want to feel that way!" Good job, and have a great time! You've earned it!
You are ready!!!!!!!! Congrats on a great run...
You are right, nothing more for you to do on the running, now just make sure you get the nutrition and hydration right this week. You are going to be awesome!!
Only in central Arizona when it's 53F outside would you read the phrase "... on a cold Arizona morning."
Great long run today.
you're ready. you're running for lisa and me. try to get a couple extra medals.
you're gonna rock that race.
Congrats on 7 miles! You are totally ready for your race. Go get 'em!
You rock, Pokey. I thought it only got to 53 like one early morning in mid-Feb out there? What's up with that?
Is it a dry cool?
It was a great run for sure!! I heart our running club!! Great job girl!! I know you are ready!!!!!!
Congratulations on a great run! It's surprising how easily it rolls off the tongue when so not too long ago if you said "I ran 7 miles" it would be wierd!
what fun! i'm sure it was a great confidence booster for big sur.
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