AM: (1:21:33, 9.5 miles). Modified fartlek workout. I wanted to do 4 x 2000m tempo intervals, but I kept missing some of the 200m markings (and the ones I did see I was pretty skeptical about the pace they set me as going). So, I modified it to approximately 8` on with 3-4` recovery (I say approximately because I was trying hard to get an idea of my pace so I was trying to use the mile markers instead -- again I did not believe them!). So, I ran 8:15, 8:47, 8:00 and 8:11 on with ~ 4`. I finally was able to get an accurate mile reading the final one, HOLY COW, my original splits were right - I was running 7:00 - 7:05 pace! I really really really did not think I was running that fast. Actually, I was not supposed to be running that fast (tempo interval pace is about 7:15-7:25 for me). I need to get to a track - and I need to get up to Mt Lemmon (8000 ft) so I can retain some of this altitude training benefit. I am really shocked. I am hoping, if I can stay healthy between now and Thanksgiving to be pleasantly suprised at my race time -- although cross-country courses are actually not really the best race to use for "time" - if I can break 22:30 for a xc 5K I would be happy at this point. Next week -- tempo run (grrrrrr!).
PM: (3.5 miles).
Happy Election Day bloggers. |