Didn't get out of the door in time to catch up with the Black Sheep. Decided to run from home down to Liberty Park for a four mile marathon pace tempo run. As usual, warmed up three miles from home, through the Avenues, and over to 600 South and 600 East to start the tempo. I ran conservatively in the first couple of miles, just observing everything going on with the body and the form, trying to get a gauge on where I'm at right now. Miles were 6:09 and 6:12. Having made it around the park once, I found a little more groove in the third mile, 5:58. In the last mile, I knew I was running faster but my pace was not terribly consistent. When I focused on what I was doing, I ran well. When I thought about how far I had to go or what my pace was, I slowed a little. I had to concentrate on bringing my mind back to what my body was trying to do! Anyway, the last mile was 5:50--a little better. It's been at least two months since I've run this kind of effort.
So I guess that's 6:09 pace for four miles on a flat course. That's where I'm at right now, folks! I'll continue to focus on the base miles and the tempo runs to check the fitness and steady the mind.
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