Short and simple
On Sunday, my schedule has me doing “race pace” runs. The purpose of these runs is to train my body to adapt to race-like conditions. That means no stopping, no walking, and a constant pace - but I can and will take Gu or other supplements if I want to. Sunday was a busy day, so I did it first thing this morning instead. The idea is that, for the most part, I do double my long run distance or in this case, 2 1/2 miles. That’s a 4k. My goal pace is 8:15, or 5:08 for the kilometer.
Time: 4:51 - 4:53 - 5:03 - 4:48
Pace: 7:48 - 7:52 - 8:08 - 7:43
Well, I’d have to say that as far as meeting my goal went, this workout was a failure. I need to learn how to pace myself much better than that. The good news is that if I had done another kilometer at no slower than an 8:35 pace (which I could have done easily), I’d have PRd at the 5K distance…
I don’t want to let that distract me though. Every workout from now on should have a clearly stated goal, and that’s how I’m going to measure myself. Really.
Goal: 2.5 miles at race pace
Place: Mary Moore Searight Park
Weather: 76°, 75% humidity
Grade: C
Popularity: 3%
Aug 30th 2004
10:05 AM
You did great!
I don’t really know much about pace yet.
ANd there’s always next sunday!
Aug 30th 2004
11:43 AM
I’m actually replying to your comment on my site. I actually have that book, have done that program, and was just telling my wife that this was something I *definitely* had to get back to, considering that I blame core problems with what is causing my pain. You’ll love it. A little difficult to translate, and/or his organization of the book is kind of hoaky. Otherwise, great book.
Aug 30th 2004
10:33 PM
Well, they say there’s a time and a place for everything. Now don’t you wish you had run that race Saturday?
Aug 31st 2004
1:10 AM
Heh - nice try. No, considering the heat and the humidity, I’m still glad that I gave it a miss. I’d have been going for 23:30 or something crazy and hurt myself.
Probably.
Oh, hush.