14.2 miles @ 9:07/mi
Two weeks ago was 13.1 @ 9:30/mi. Last week was 14 @ 9:50/mi. I felt much better this week. I even ran miles 9 and 10 (Nunn's to Timpanogos Park) in 7:53 and 7:52, and the last 3/4 miles @ 7:56/mi. Sure, there was some downgrade in those miles, but I still feel like two sub-8:00 miles that far into a long run, and finishing strong, is a pretty big step forward for me.
I finished UVM in June last year in 4:59:59, then St. George in 4:10. My goal for UVM this year is at least 1 hour faster than last year (3:59:59 or faster). That means I need to hold today's pace for an additional 12 miles.
I still have a ways to go, but I've still got 2 months of training left. Two months ago I was running 6 @ 10:00. I've more than doubled the distance and dropped the pace about a minute per mile. If I do that again in the next 2 months, I should be able to run 28.4 miles @ about 8:00/mi, or around a 3:30 marathon, right? (just kidding) I know my improvement rate will slow as I get in better shape. My "stars aligned" goal for UVM is closer to 3:45 (26.2 @ 8:35/mi), although I haven't ruled out a "stars aligned" St. George goal of 3:40 (Boston qualifying time). (Hey, a guy has to have a dream, right?)
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