The plan called for 6X600 m @ 5K pace but I extended it to 6 X 1/2 mile because I did not want to go to the track. I have a pretty good idea where every 1/4 mile marker is on my regular loop which made the half mile repeats with 1/4 mile jog easier to track. Even though I was using my Garmin, it was good to have a point of reference of where each one started and ended. It was really windy and my route would give me a tail wind for the first 3, a cross wind for 4 and 5 and a head wind for the last one. I used the interval program on the Garmin but I do not have it set up correctly to show my lap pace so I was running blind. I was curious to see how even I could keep the splits without monitoring them. Warmed up with 3 miles then started the repeats. | Split | Comment | | 2:56 | Slight tail wind but couldn't really feel it. | | 2:53 | Pace and form felt great. Very smooth. | | 2:54 | Felt good but could feel form starting to suffer from fatigue. | | 2:49 | A little help from gravity. Happy for the rest interval.
| | 2:56 | Starting to force pace. Surprised it was under 3:00 | | 3:02 | Straight into the wind. Big effort Shocked it was even close to 3:00. |
The variability in the splits was due to the wind or terrain change so I am pleased that I was able to dial in 5k pace. The effort was where it was supposed to be which is what is important. Good run with no achilles pain. I was barely able to walk on Saturday because it hurt so bad. Feeling a little better knowing that I can manage the pain with rest if I have to. Total Time: 1:12:20 (8:02/mile)
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