2:24:08. Sort of the same run as last week, but instead of a 4-5 gradual down/up hill grade in the middle I added on 4-5 miles of very steep rolling hills instead (most of them shorter than a mile uphill but very steep grades). The last 20 mins is a pretty steep grind, and I am happy to say I felt great and kept up a very solid pace (not fast, just solid). It was 77F and sunny -- I know many of you think that sounds good compared to the cold -- but actually I prefer the cold, especially on long runs (and when I am not really acclimated). That said, although it felt really warm, it wasn't bad, and for long runs at a slow pace it isn't that bad (not as bad as 100F that is for sure ;-)). So, a good friend of mine from Nashville ran the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race last year, and won the masters race (it is a 18, 22, 20 mile race over 3 days) and wants me to run it with her this year - in June. Normally, I would tell her, "I am too young to start ultrarunning" -- but, since I am hoping to run a competitive 50K for my birthday, it might be a fun way to get used to difficult trail runs ... so, I am actually thinking about this year. My motivation for todays very hilly run was .... I could run this pace for a long time, lets practice that ;-). My main concern about changing gears - from short(er)/faster races is that I am still actually getting faster and I don't want to lose that edge while I am so close to running a 3:20 or faster marathon ... but on the other hand, if I can stay healthy, I still might be able to run a pretty solid marathon next spring even after doing these two races (the 60 mile stage race and then a 50K). So, I am mulling it over ... and it sounds kind of fun. Lot's of really good track this weekend, the USATF indoor championships (getting ready for the World Championships) and NCAA regional championships - where collegiate athletes qualify for the NCAA indoor champs in a couple weeks. Good to see Arizona get 2nd in the Mountain Pacific ... Lawi Lalang won the 3K and Arizona for a new meet record by 7 seconds! Julie Labonte (also of U of A) got a new shot put meet record. It was a great meet! I hope you all have a great rest of the weekend!
| 