10.02 mi, 1:25:44, 8:33 avg, elev gain 159 feet
5x1 mile @ HMP (7:08) was the goal
Actual splits: 7:08, 6:49, 6:58, 6:47, 6:47
Had trouble deciding whether to run on Starkey Blvd bike path where it would be flat and straight or stay in Westlake where it would be challenging since there is no 1 mile path which is flat. Or, I could go to the Pinellas Trail but then I wouldn't have access to cold drinks/water since I don't have a good stashing place picked out.
I picked Westlake. Used the 2 mile warmup to figure out a good 1 mile route. I'd start from the top of the small hill near my house, head north, take a left and loop around on Village Way until coming back to Lakeview to finish the mile which would leave me about 0.2 from my house. I also tried the same basic route going clockwise, which was easier despite having slightly more up (according to the garmin at least) even thought they should be the same.
The first one started out too slow but I gradually picked up some speed and just barely made the 7:08 goal at the very end (wasn't sure if I would).
The next 4 were hard work but I had less trouble getting onto and holding a good pace - actually was starting out a little fast but didn't want to back down too much in case I fell into a rut of too slow.
When starting the fourth one, told myself if I could do this one I'd won and the last one would be a "bonus" lap.
Finished off the easy two miles, got back home, made a smoothie and cooled off for a few minutes in the pool.
Looking forward to seeing Thomas and Jacob run tomorrow at Jim Ryun Invitational in Lakeland. It's a great course and will have lots of runners. Hoping for the best for both.
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