Last night was one of the first nights since I started my half marathon training class a few weeks ago that I just was not in the mood to go out for a run. I needed to do 2 miles, but wanted to do 3 to make up for not running the full 3 miles on Wednesday. I was trying to come up with any way I could to get out of it... but I decided that I just needed to get off my butt and run.
And boy, I am really glad I did. I was able to get the full 3 miles in, although it felt like alot more work than 3 miles should. I don't know why but I have really been struggling with my runs lately. I am glad I got it done, but given how I felt afterward I am sort of terrified for my long run tomorrow morning. I need to do 6 miles!
The worst part of it all is that I have to wake up early to do it because we are going to Michigan for the weekend and I need to be on the road by 7 am. Of course, the positive side of running so early is that it won't be nearly as hot so the run should be slightly more enjoyable.
I am looking for some advice on pacing. When I run a race, I have a hard time running a given pace... maybe its the inexperienced runner in me, but when I run a race my goal is to pass whoever is in front of me. This has led to some awesome times which I am proud of, most recently - the 4.5 mile Freedom Run in Carmel that I ran in 37:38.2. However, I am afraid that if I don't get past this mental roadblock I am going to have a really hard time completing a half marathon. Everyone keeps telling me to "just slow down" but I have been truly trying for weeks and I just can't seem to slow down as much as I think I need to. I did have some success running with someone from my half marathon class last week, but unfortunately I don't have someone to run with 90% of the time! Any tips on how to slow your pace when you are running alone?
I will post about my long run when I get home from Michigan on Sunday... this will only be my second time running more than 5 miles at a time! Really praying that I can somehow pull this out and that it will be easier than I am fearing!
Thanks for the pr wishes - it's not going to be 3.1 - it's only 3.0 so I'm kind of bummed - i'll still give it my best. Have fun in the motor city!
ReplyDeleteYou're going to do GREAT on your long run!!!! I just know it. One step at a time, one mile at a time.
Sorry I don't have any pacing suggestions - I start out slow and then get slower. BUT, wonder what Eric would say to using a metronome at least for a few moments go get a cadence established that's slower? Worth asking - I'll bring it to class next week.