Today I ran the race that I have helped organize for the past 9 months. I woke up at 3:45(!) to get to the race site to help set up, and the race started at 7:00. It is still hot this time of year in Phoenix, and this morning was no exception.
I started at the back of the pack and had to pick through some runners. I know that's bad and wastes energy, but I tried to keep the darting around people to a minimum. The course makes several sharp curves for the first quarter mile, so it's hard to pick up any real speed. I ran the first mile in 8:10 and hoped to gradually speed up. I didn't really have a time goal, but I hoped to beat my time at this race last year, which was an 8:11 pace. One weird thing was that I kept passing people, even though I slowed down to an 8:30 pace after the first mile.
In my entire history of running, I have never worked out the day before the race (except maybe in high school), so I didn't really know what it was like to race on tired legs. However, yesterday I not only worked out, but I did a long run of 10 miles. So I was TIRED today. I'm not thrilled with my time, but I can cut myself some slack because of the workout yesterday and my lack of sleep! My heart rate recovered quickly after the race.
So, I ran the entire race at an 8:23 pace, which I hope to be my marathon pace. Gotta pick it up! I think we start more serious speed training this week. I'll tell you all right now, I'm taking tomorrow off-my legs need it! |