7:54 average for this 20-miler -- 10 easy + 10 GMP (target 7:45).
First 10: 1:21:46 (8:11 AP).
Last 10: 1:16:20 (7:38 AP). Splits were 7:44, 7:41, 7:40, 7:44, 7:39, 7:40, 7:41, 7:38, 7:32, 7:22.
Pretty good run! It was technically a success but it definitely opened my eyes to how hard it is going to be to go 26.2 miles at GMP. Maybe too hard. My legs were really on fire (not in a good way) toward the end. Of course I went a little faster than goal pace, so that's some of it. Aerobically, it was ok; my lungs worked a little, but weren't complaining too much. This time my legs felt way worse than 2 weeks ago. The faster overall pace, maybe, and the fact that I didn't have anti-inflammatories in my system today probably contributed. I'm hoping I'll even be able to run in 2 days!
It is pretty important to me not to have a bad bonk/deathmarch to the finish so I am considering starting a bit more conservatively for the race. Actually enjoying this first marathon is a top priority.
Merry Christmas to all! |