I wanted to do 26k close to marathon pace using a 5k interval scheme, but I had doubts, because I haven't done anything close to that for months and I feel that my fitness level is no longer where it was in september/october. I decided to attempt it anyway in a do or die way. Target pace was 4:30/k (7:14ish/mile).
These were my splits. 1k 5:27/km 5k 4:34/km average pace 1k 5:04/km 5k 4:31/km average pace + 2" 1km 5:20/km 5k 4:32/km average pace + 4" 1km 5:39/km 5k 4:32/km average pace Total time for 24k 1:52:22 average pace 4:41/km 2k cool down in 11:31 Total time 2:03:53 average pace 4:46/km (7:40/mile). I am happy because somehow I did it, but it wasn't easy, weather conditions were great cold and sunny with a light breeze on a roller course. I underestimated the sun and the breeze and I didn't bring any water, at the end I was really dehydrated. At home I checked my weight and I lost almost 3 kilos, something that is "normal" for me during the spring/summer long runs but not during the winter. It was probably because it was a really harder effort than anticipated. It is the first week above 50 miles in a while, that's a good news, but I have probably to reconsider my goal time for the upcoming marathons, for sure I am not where I used to be in october. Time to take a good recovery nap.
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