9 miles with my group at 6:30 am. Weather=78 degrees, 74% humidity, 69 dew point, 20 mph wind gusting to 33 mph, cloudy. Average pace=8:24/m.
Mile 1- 8:32
Mile 2- 8:02
Mile 3- 8:25
Mile 4- 8:26
Mile 5- 8:23
Mile 6- 8:18
Mile 7- 8:20
Mile 8- 8:34
Mile 9- 8:45
IÂ started running with the "fast" group today, although they weren't going that fast because of the heat/humidity. Everyone else was just chatting away having a really easy pace... and I had to put in my ipod and focus just to keep up. I haven't run this fast since before I got hurt 9 weeks ago.
At mile 7.5 there was a steep short hill. I charged it and was one of the fastest up it, but then as soon as I got to the top, it was like my legs were made of lead. They wouldn't move at 8:20 pace anymore. Also, we turned into the wind at that point so it got more difficult. I fell behind the others.
They got about 200 yards ahead of me by the final stretch. When there was .5 miles left, my average pace for that mile was 9:15... I mustered up the will power to give it one final push. I sped up as fast as I could and by the end of it, I dropped the average for that mile down to 8:45... closed the gap between myself and the lead group to maybe a little less than 100 yards.
I'd call this a good workout. I'm happy with myself. My leg didn't hurt during the run but it is bothering me after. My big toe on my right foot is hurting now. Geez! I wonder if I'll ever be injury free. | 