Run Buffs Run!

Alright, not too bad a race, but I still did not feel full throttle. I decided to actually use strategy this time, unlike past races which I would run like a madman and slow down as the race progressed. There was a very good field of runners (probably around 20-25 solid runners) who were all running some good pace. I decided to go out and find a place mid-pack, and go more for placement rather than time. After mile one I was in 10th-11th place, crossing the mile mark in 5:05 (not too fast). Between mile one and two I passed one runner to go into 10th place. Between mile two and the finish was my strongest time (unlike any other race I have ran). I passed two runners, and hit the last mile in 4:55, ultimately finishing in 15:42 (my watch said 15:37, but I guess I must have been a bit off). Although this was no "huge" time, I was still happy with my finish placement. Everyone who beat me was 24+ yrs. old, so I was not too dissapointed. This strategy of racing seems far more effective. If you properly pace yourself to finish at starting speed (or even a bit faster), you can really edge some of those "just hanging on" runners at the end. This tends to give me a confidence boost, which in turn, can help you really push the pace. Overall, a decent race! 

Today was supposed to be shorter, but I felt pretty good (probably too good for the day after a 5k), so I decided to go a bit longer. I ran some good hills, which really broke up rythmn, but definitely gave me a good workout. Overall pace was about 6:30/mile.

Today was a threshold workout consisting of four consecutive miles. Goal pace was between 5:32/ mile and 5:37/mile. I ran 21:51 in total, averaging out to 5:28/mile, so I went a bit fast. I felt a bit tired, but nothing that would prevent me from hittin the miles. I finished with 2x400 meter strides, both at 66 seconds. A couple of easy miles were also thrown in the mix, serving for a pretty good workout!

An easy couple of miles today that felt pretty good. Nothing terribly exciting today, just a typical run. I did 8x150 meter strides at the end.

Today was an economy run and it was very windy (of course). I seem to really choose the opportune days for fast stuff. Anyhow, I ran 6x400 meters in 64, 66, 65, 65, 66, 65 which felt pretty painful. I then ran 8x200 meters, which I don't quite remember all of my splits, but the lowest was 30 (when wind was minimal) and the highest was 33. I think my coach is attempting to increase my pain threshold. Granted, I did choose the day in which to do the workout, but as far as pain is concerned id doesn't get much worse than a good economy run in the wind. whew...

Just an easy run today with 8x150 meter strides at the end. I felt a bit sluggish and slow (maybe because I didn't run yesterday? who knows). I am excited to see what will happen in the London marathon tommorrow. It looks like all the real marathon heavyweights are going to battle it out. I want to see Ryan Hall pull through with something big. On top of being a fantastic runner, he seems to really have his priorities right. We'll just see what happens!