Today was the last hard workout before Boston. 3 X 1 miles @ 5K pace with 1/4 mile jog in between each. Warmed up with 2.25 miles of easy running then started the workout. I wasn't expecting great things as I feel as though I am in a rut running wise. I feel so bio-mechanically out of synch that my running can't improve any more. According to Sasha's course tool, running 6:03 for the 1st and 3rd mile and 5:56 for the 2nd mile is equivalent to a 6:00/mile pace (20 foot elevation change on each mile). Ran the first in 5:55 and felt alright. Second was 5:55 and I was pretty tired. I wasn't sure if I wanted to run the third but decided that mentally it was important to finish the workout. Started the third repeat at what felt like a slow pace but was right on target after the first quarter mile. Lost a couple of seconds on the second quarter and a few more on the third quarter. Lost 2 more seconds on the last quarter which surprised me because I thought that I picked up the pace. Last mile was 6:10. Averaged exactly 6:00/mile for the entire workout but was disappointed with the effort on the last one. I feel that one of my weaknesses is my mental toughness. I have a hard time pushing through the pain. Finished with 1.25 easy miles. Last year when I ran this workout before the Ogden marathon, I averaged 6:06/mile on a slightly downhill course with 1/2 mile rest in between each. I guess that I shouldn't be too disappointed as there is a slight improvement over last year. Total Time: 51:34 (7:22/mile) Avg HR: 151 (peaked at 177 during last repeat) |