My taper has officially begun! It was in the low 30s when I started running at 6:40 this morning. This time I wore pants, a tank top, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, and a hat. I felt so much better. I started feeling slightly warm at about mile 16, but at that point, heat was the last thing I was worried about! I ran solo again, with my iPod. I feel so much better right now than I did after my last 20-mile run.
Total time was 3:17:22, a 9:52 average. My average pace is almost identical to last time. My mile splits were 10:20, 10:21, 10:15, 10:06, 9:50, 9:54, 10:04, 10:01, 10:04, 10:03, 9:53, 9:52, 9:43, 9:42, 9:42, 9:35, 9:17, 9:41, 9:45, and 9:12.
This drives me crazy! I NEVER run this slowly. After the first mile, I consciously tried to crank up the pace, and I absolutely could not do it until mile 11! Obviously I can run much faster than 10:20, which shows with the last half of the run. My husband and I discussed the possible reasons: I ate immediately before starting my run (no GI issues, but it probably took a while for the energy to reach my muscles), I rolled out of bed and left from my house (no time for my body to wake up), and the cold. If anyone can think of another reason and has any tips, please let me know. I would much rather run a steady pace.
The highlight of my run was my 3rd and final Gu. It was MINT CHOCOLATE!! I bought an entire box. The packaging has green and red decorations, so it's a special "winter" flavor. It is SO GOOD. Snap them up if you can!!!
Because this is my first two-week taper, I would appreciate any tips on how much to reduce my mileage. Also, should I do strides during these two weeks? |