I haven't done a really long run since I did my 12-mile run in February or the 10K at the beginning of the month, so I've been worried about how my distance running has been affected since that time. Sure, I've been faithfully doing my usual 3-4 miles three times per week, but what about longer? Worry. This morning was my last long-distance run before the half marathon. I figured if I had problems today, the half marathon was really going to make me anxious. If I didn't, joy! I could relax and have more confidence in my abilities for the half.
Last night, I was reading something on a running blog about running less than your "race pace" in training to build your endurance. Then, you could push yourself closer to the end and get negative splits (having a faster pace at the end versus the beginning). It really made me think. I've been running my usual 9:30-10:00/mile pace for long runs and finding myself exhausted afterwards. Maybe I need to slow up to make it through better? Hmm.
So, I ran my 10 miles this morning. I took it slower than I usually would, and it turned out to be a great, leisurely experience (well, as leisurely as 10 miles on hills can be!). It felt great. I think I was almost at mile 6 before I felt like I needed water/Gatorade. My 10:20/mile pace gave me plenty of time to look at the scenery, enjoy the music on my iShuffle, concentrate on the hills (oh, the hill on Overton going west between La Cholla and Shannon was murder, but I did it!), and I actually loved running this distance this morning. I had to walk after I did the Murder Hill (lol), but that was only for two minutes at mile 7.5. YAY! My left knee and left hip are a bit sore tonight, but nothing I can't deal with and/or won't go away by Monday.
I'm excited and nervous now for the half marathon. It's going to be fun, but I'm still going to be anxious. My goal of finishing in less than 2:30 is plausible - I finished 10 miles in 1:42:00 this morning. YAY!
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