Since I'll be running in the Houston marathon in January, I'm looking for a training plan. I came across two marathon training plans and some training tips, too, at the Boston Marathon website. Right now, I'm mostly building up my mileage with a little speedwork, too, so that when my plan says, "Run a zillion miles at goal pace," I'll be half ready.Today after an abs workout, I went for a run. First, I ran a two mile warm-up with six short strides towards the end. Wake up, Legs!
Then I found some fast songs on my MP3 player and sped down the street, hoping to keep the speed up for two miles. In the first mile, I had lots of energy. I was hopeful. I was running an 8:12 mile.
In the second mile, I was getting tired, but happy to be speeding down the road - more fun than an easy run. Pace for this mile: 8:02/mile.
I finished with a couple of easy miles, stopping a couple of times to chat with walkers. The next time I'm asked how long a marathon is, I might just say 26 miles. I mean, do they care about the 0.2? I think not! Most people probably just hear twenty-something and think, that's crazy!
Anyway, if I could run this fast at the half marathon in October, that would give me a finishing time around 1:45. (8:09/mi. = 1:46:41 finish) Keeping that pace for 13.1 miles, though, does sounds pretty crazy!
About the photo: That's a heron which was in my front yard yesterday (with my neighbor's horses behind it). Our house backs up to a lake so we get to see lots of water birds... and alligators sometimes, too!
What a beautiful view you have! I'd love to see the lake!
ReplyDeleteYOU can run a 1:45 half marathon...it's just conditioning! Keep up the great enthusiasm, you can do it!
OK, it's just conditioning! I've got to remember that! Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy being able to see the horses, but never having to deal with the upkeep!
I don't see a lot of water animals around my Las Vegas home! :-) It would be fun to see some wildlife other than lizards and pigeons though!
ReplyDeleteI still always say the ".2" when telling people the marathon distance. For some reason, it does mean a lot... even if they don't hear anything beyond "twenty"!
But you've got Red Rock Canyon! I ran 15 miles there last November (http://gottarunnow.blogspot.com/search/label/Nevada) - such a pretty place!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on the .2 - it's means a whole lot at the 26.0 mark of the marathon!
That's a great pace for the 1/2!
ReplyDeleteI always say the .2 because I've always felt the .2 mattered after I ran it. :)
Thanks for stopping by Tina!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!
Glad you left a comment - it led me to your blog! I'm always on the lookout for good blogs - they inspire me. : )
ReplyDeleteYou have a great view from your backyard.
ReplyDeleteTina, it would be awesome if you could run a half at that pace. And something tells me that you can do it. ;)
Hi Tina, thanks for stopping by, I love "meeting" other runners via blogging.
ReplyDeleteWhat a GREAT pace you have. I always find fast songs definitely help me pick up my pace.
I think the .2 is always important to those who have run a marathon (especially when you reach mile 26!) but to non-runners probably not so much. i am always amazed how many people ask me how long a marathon is....but I guess I didn't know either until I started training for one! :)
Love the pic, it is so serene