Ran 10 miles with the group this morning. 7:56 average pace.
Splits (8:10, 8:14, 7:48, 7:51, 7:56, 8:03, 7:59, 8:03, 7:39, 7:35)
All the girls were there today. I ran with Brenda, Laura, Ashley, and a new girl whose name was Amy (I think). It was challenging and fun to run with so many fast girls! I'm calling the whole thing a tempo - threshold miles. The first 4 miles I was seriously doubting my ability to hang with them but I pressed on. If I had been by myself, I wouldn't have gone so fast. But that's why I like running with these girls! They are making me a better runner. By around mile 4.5, I got into a great rhythm and started feeling great at that pace.
Then around mile 8, I started having some IT band "tweaks", so I put in my ipod and zoned out to Lady GaGa concentrating on my form... and I ended up getting faster and faster. I didn't even look at my watch until the end. I got ahead of everyone else in the last two miles. I wasn't trying to "win" but I just wanted it to be over and I got totally into the zone!
It was cold -about 45 degrees. Last time it was cold, I underdressed and was cold the whole run... so this time I might have over-dressed. I wore a headband and hat over my ears, long tights, a short sleeve tee, a long sleeve tee, and gloves. Actually, the only thing that I was annoyed with was the long sleeve tee. I ended up taking that off at 2 miles and had to endure it wrapped around my waist the rest of the run (which was super annoying). Good to know, if my marathon day is this weather. | 