AM: 8 miles w/4x400 @ 1/2 marathon pace and 8x200 @ 5K pace. 2 mile warm-up to Fort Middle School Track. Splits: 1:23 (whoops too fast!),1:29,1:28,1:29 - these felt a little harder than they should, but not too bad. Splits for 8x200: 38,39,38,39,38,39,39,39 - all felt under control, was under goal pace by 1/2-1sec, but not too concerned about 5K goal pace, just doing these to shake the legs out. Avg=7:17 pace. Finished with some lifts (body only legs). I ran into my friend Karen who's battled some injuries in the past year, but seems to have found her stride. She was at the track doing some 1/2 marathon pacing to get ready for the Madison 1/2 marathon this weekend as well. Looks like I might have caught a ride to Mad City, knowing this is move in week for UW-Madison I welcome the ride! It's going to be a mad house up there this weekend. Temp 79/38% - The air feels great, hope it's that way for the 1/2 marathon.
PM: 7.90 miles @ 8:12 pace. Went to Madison tonight to scope the 1/2 marathon course. I know Madison well, but some of the mid miles I wasn't so sure about in the 1/2. Jen is back run walking now from her knee surgery so she and Jameson accompanied me. I did the run walk for the first 2 miles w/Jen and Jameson. Jen turned back and I went the next two miles up the course. I must say Madison is a beautiful city! The course has some hills, but no gut busters, so it should make for a fast course. I've been told they have some good entertainment along the course too. This is only the 3rd year of the race, but it's set up to be monster event someday. | 