3pm and 35 degrees, just a slight breeze. Good day for a 'winter' run, although its essentially spring. First 3.1 miles in 24 (7:45s). Next 2.6 [with 2 solid hill climbs of about 300 meters] in 18:19 (7:03s). Turned around and hit the same 2.6 back in 16:58 (6:32s), and finished up the starting 3.1 in 21:46 (7:01s). Followed this up with a .5 mile cool down in 4 minutes (8:00s). Total run time less the cool down was 1:21:04 for 11.4 (7:07s). If I take out the first 3.1 miles that gives me a solid 8.3 miles at MRP or faster. This is a good sign, and as I've been thinking over the recent situation .... I'm beginning to believe the drop off in pace was related to a drastic temp change from the mid 40s to the mid 70s. Coming off months of 40 and below, my body just had not acclimated to the higher temps. Pace for miles 3.1-11.4 was 8.3 miles in 56:56 or 6:51.5s (exactly MGP). Good stuff today. I'm well pleased. | 