A story of going from being a non-runner to planning for a marathon in three years...

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Post-Race Pace

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Last night I had another long tempo run on the books. The plan once again was to run to running group, do 5.5 miles at a 9:06 pace with the group, and then run home.

Let me tell you, when I left the house my legs felt like they'd been dipped in concrete. Ugh. I was not looking forward to being speedy.

Here's the funny thing about running a 5K after you've run so many of them. You act like they're no big deal. It's just 3.1 miles, you think. I've done almost 5 times that. What you don't take into account is that it's a HARD 3.1 miles. At least, when you're trying to PR it is.

I admit that I thought about turning around and going home. I admit that I thought about skipping the run entirely. I mean, I did just run hard the day before. But, I sallied forth. And I'm glad I did. I wasn't the only person at the group run who had run the day before. It was fun to talk to those of us that did and learn how each of us fared. I wasn't the only sore runner, either.

In fact, even though I didn't think I was feeling the speed, I managed to insert myself into the group of women who are usually way ahead of me. I'm sure that's because they were running easy while I was still doing my tempo run, but I don't care. They pulled me along like a rope and before I knew it we were done. If I could just find a group like that for my half marathon I'd be golden! We were running at below my half marathon pace but, to be honest, it almost felt easy. Last night gave me hope that maybe I can meet my A goal for the race.

I stretched out a little bit before heading for home and didn't stick around too long for the post-run chat. Admittedly, I was looking forward to being done running. 8.5 miles total is still a lot for me on a weeknight. Plus, I was hungry and my stomach was growling. Thank goodness there was Italian beef in the crockpot all ready for me!

Today, though, my lower body is a little angry with me. My muscles are definitely sore. I'm not usually one for massages, but I think I might just have to schedule one here soon. My legs (and abs!) will thank me.

***********************
Bones in Motion Data: Splits include pauses for traffic lights and the pre and post-run chatting.


Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:626 ft
Location:Forest Park, ILElev. Gain:+0 ft
Date:04/12/10Up/Downhill: [+49/-49]
Time:06:10 PMDifficulty:2.4 / 5.0
 
Weather:Overcast
 69 F temp; 30% humidity
 69 F heat index; winds SE 12
Performance

Distance: 8.52 miles
Time:1:17:51
Speed:6.6 mph
Pace:9' 08 /mi
Calories:1000
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 
Pace (min/mile)
 
Splits
MilePace (min/mile)Speed (mph)Elevation
Gain
actual+/- avgactual+/- avg
19' 41+0' 336.2-0.4+3 ft
210' 41+1' 335.6-1.0+6 ft
38' 54-0' 146.7+0.20 ft
48' 58-0' 106.7+0.1-9 ft
58' 56-0' 126.7+0.1+3 ft
68' 53-0' 156.8+0.20 ft
79' 03-0' 056.6+0.10 ft
811' 10+2' 025.4-1.2-9 ft
end9' 54+0' 466.1-0.50 ft
Versus average of 9' 08 min/mile

Posted from bimactive.com

5 comments:

kilax said...

I don't know Erin, maybe you are getting speedy and those women weren't running slower! ;) Great job on the tempo!

Isn't 8.5 a lot for a weeknight? I always wonder about that when I see marathon training schedules. If I still lived in Iowa (ha hahahahahahahahaha ha) I would have all the time in the world to run 8.5, 10, even 15 miles, becuase I would live so close to work. Out here, it's a juggle. Okay, weird comment over.

Jessica (Bayjb) said...

You should DEFINITELY schedule a massage. You have earned it big time! Wow I can't believe you would run and then run home? Overachiever :)

Lacey said...

def get a massage!!! do you have "Groupon" near you? go online and check it out. they always have massage deals, like half price, etc. worth it!! and actually almost all massage places will give you a special "First visit" discount-- make sure you ask around!!

hooray for great running!!!!! 8.5 is absolutely a lot! anytime!!! hehe. :)

kristen said...

I know exactly what you mean about racing 5ks. I just ended a series of short races and the first one was by far my best one. It's hard to recover when you've given all you got - even if it's only 3.1 miles.

Your getting so super speedy! I love it! (but i also hate you for it because now your faster than me. j/k)

Anne said...

Great job on your run...personally, I think your pace is amazing! Oh and a massage for sure :)

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