AM: 11 miles. I took the day off, so like any sensible person I slept in, did a few chores, then met three buddies for 2 x 1.5 miles in Tampa at 10 AM.
This plan developed over the last couple weeks. We ran the workout at Al Lopez park, on the course where the 5k is staged next week. Charles was very familiar with it. I had heard it was a good, and it really was - a couple of slow circles around ponds with decent shade. Not only certified but engraved mile markers by the City of Tampa!
Charles wanted to run the full course as a 5k practice, while Mike, Quint and myself opted for running 1.5 miles, 5 minute standing rest, then another 1.5. I've done this workout once before, and it was a great indicator and confidence booster.
This time, I had a lot of work-related stress on my mind, so at least I wasn't thinking too much about running. It was still daunting though. I want to believe that on a good day in winter I could run close to 7:30 for both repeats, and my goal was to get as close to that today as possible. I tried to clear my head and just slug it out.
We staggered our starts, which really helps us with motivation. I ended up running 7:45/7:55 - solid but not spectacular. That suggests to me I'll run around 16:15 next Sunday. I'd really like to cheat the reaper and get under 16, and I think I have a slight chance, very slight.
PM: 4 mile shakeout.
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