I am so fabulously surprised by the success of my tempo run. I am well into my Runner's World SmartCoach training program, which has been perfect preparation for my next half marathon!
Today's scheduled session was 4 miles, with a 1 mile warm up and cool down and 2 miles at a 9:42 pace. Based on my runs thus far, I didn't know how I would meet this goal. So that I wouldn't be too concerned about my pace, as has been the case previously on the track, I decided to run at the gym.
The first mile was slow, probably about 11:30. I then decided to run: 1/2 mile at a 10 minute pace; 1/2 mile at a 9:31 pace; 1/2 mile at a 10 minute pace; 1/4 mile at a 9:13 pace; and 1/4 mile at a 9:05 pace. I did it! Then the last mile was slow, with walking at the end.
Overall, this session was a complete success, and I did it in a way with which I was comfortable. By my calculations, which may or may not be correct, the pace for my middle two miles was 9:45 and 9:35. I can't believe I had it in me! I'm glad I found it! With 7 and 1/2 weeks remaining before my half marathon, I am in a great place!
I am grateful for my choices. This half marathon is going to mark a milestone, just as my marathon did. I ran Boston to celebrate my 35th birthday. I will run this half marathon to celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary, which will be the day before my run. This choice may not be mainstream for a 10th wedding anniversary celebration, but it makes total sense to me for so many reasons.
