14.06 mi, 1:55:47, 8:14 avg, HR 156 bpm
Challenging workout/long run, containing long run mileage with 2x4 mi repeats at marathon pace, 1 mile easy between sets. This type of run is difficult for me, I'm much better at the "fast finish" long run. I have much more trouble picking up the pace early into the run compared to running faster at the end. So, I probably need more of these.
Left from Westlake Village, starting the run at 6:56 am (had to be done before 9:00), across Alderman, cut through Eniswood to Alt 19. Made it to two miles just a little bit before where the sidewalk heads down to the trail. Before reaching the two mile mark, did a couple of short pickups to mentally and physically prepare myself for the shift to 7:51 pace. Weather was perfect, cold and cloudy (but not cold, would get a little bit of rain on the run).
Headed down the sidewalk, sharp left turn at the bottom and through the train tunnel, did not get my pace down below 8:00 yet (pace a little glitchy going through the short tunnel), but eventually toward the end of mile 3 finally got to the pace and ended the first MP mile at 7:51 (but did not quite feel into the groove yet). Ticked off the next few miles and picked up a little more pace but was wondering how I was going to finish the next set.
Ran easy for the next mile with the turnaround at the bottom of the Pinellas Trail overpass just north of Curlew, paused a few seconds to take a gel, then got ready to go again.
Got going again but did a little bit better on the next set with 7:41, 7:42, 7:35, and 7:31
Then, three more easy miles home which felt good. I'm getting back to where I want to be but it is taking some time. Run was challenging. Week was pretty challenging with the switch from all easy miles to adding in two workouts (but a cut back in mileage so I'm not doing hard runs and higher mileage at the same time).
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