I am getting excited. This time next week, I will be in Virginia Beach hopefully sleeping prior to a 7 am start for my first half marathon.
Even with the stress of work, I have gotten my runs in and I have tried to focus on improving my pace. I used McMillan to set my ranges, but found I was running more of my weekly runs on the slower end of the range.
My running partner, L, wanted to push the pace for this last long run to see if she was ready to tackle a sub-2 goal next weekend. I told her to go ahead and she what she could do. I was feeling pretty good and stayed with her the first mile and a half before I dropped back a bit. But not as much as I thought I would need.
I can't believe I was able to do this, and it was completely doable.
I checked to see how this compared to other "fast" times for me. My three faster times were all races with great PRs for me. Hopefully, this is a good omen of times to come. Fingers crossed.
My toes are green and ready. And I loved being comfortable wearing flip flops this afternoon.
I will be tapering the rest of the week.
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You are definitely ready! Make sure to take it easy since you ran such a hard long run. If you can run 8 miles at that pace, a sub-2 is definitely possible. Make sure you keep your pace lower for the first half, so you don't crash and burn at the end. For example, if 2 hours is your goal, start out at just under 9 min/mile, which will probably feel too easy. As you hit the half way mark, if you feel good, pick up your pace. Good luck! You will do great!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa for the great advice. They have a 2 hour pacer group, so I would like to stay with them for the first 6-8 miles. I've done pretty well with pacing myself for shorter distances in races, but I have a feeling I might jump ahead without this group. Goal is to keep the wheels on with no ITB reinjury. I would love for that magic sub2 to happen, but finishing healthy comes first.
DeleteYou're going to do great. I'm also aiming for a sub two, along with two of my friends (including Greg, who does the Carillon training group). Maybe we should meet up and run together! Last year I got a 1:59, so it's possible.
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What's your race number? I'm 6792.
Kathryn - Would love to meet you, and run if I can keep up with you. I ran with the Carillon Group once, but that was the week Greg was at Ragnar. I'm 8594 so I might be in a different corral. Shoot me an email at runjillybean at gmail.com
DeleteGood luck on your race!
ReplyDeleteI saw your blog listed in the sidebar of the Tough Chick site and had to click over. I've been called "Jilly Bean" throughout my life as well!
Thanks to another Jilly Bean. It's a nickname that started in college and stuck, but I don't mind it.
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