So I put off Sunday's long run until Monday morning. I had an appointment early in the morning which meant I had to take half a sick day from work. So after my appointment I had a couple hours until I had to be at work- perfect for my long run.
I ran this at a comfortable pace and tried not to stare at my watch, taking a cue from Alyssa and Kara with their no-Garmin sub-4 marathon last weekend. I'm pretty sure just reading about their amazing Baltimore Marathon experience improved my training.
I didn't go full No-Garmin, or I wouldn't have these splits. And it was still on auto-lap, beeping every mile. But the goal was to not keep my eyes glued to my Garmin like I sometimes do. Maybe it was the cool 60 degree day or that I took a rest day the day before or maybe listening to music helped, but I was surprised with my paces.
A couple things... I only had time for 11 miles and change, not the full 13 as per my training plan. I guess I will do a slightly longer long run this weekend, then maybe scale back the following weekend?
Also, my long runs are supposed to be half marathon pace plus :20 or :30 per mile -- which would mean 10:25 or 10:35 based on my most recent half marathon. These yet still comfortable! I am hoping that means with a couple more weeks of speed work until the Philly half marathon I will have a good shot of improving my time.
Speaking of speed work, this was my Wednesday afternoon:
Goal was 10 x [400 @ 2:05, 400 rest]. I did it in the rain. I'm pretty pleased!
This morning before work, at the crack of dawn, I fit in a 5 mile mid-tempo run. Goal pace was 9:33-ish and I ran my five miles at: 9:41, 9:38, 9:33, 9:34, and 9:32. This pace felt a little harder than my last mid-tempo run last Friday. Despite it being tough, I wasn't too far off with my paces. This was also my first run in my new running shoes - no need to break them in, they were perfect straight out the box.
Off to host my brother-in-law and his girlfriend as they visit the great state of NJ this weekend!
I don't know why the no Garmin thing works so well but it does! I think I get locked into an idea that I "can't" run at a certain pace, so that alters my perception when I see my pace on my Garmin, if that makes sense. I see a huge PR in your future at the Philly half!
ReplyDeletesometimes we need a break from being garmin-obsessed! i am way too addicted to my garmin but sometimes manage to leave it at home on easy runs.
ReplyDeleteyou are using the FIRST plan, right? it's so effective! i think philly is going to work out well for you :)
HATE the Garmin it makes me so mental! Great job on the workouts!
ReplyDeleteHaven't joined the Garmin club yet...I really want to though! I guess all things are good in moderation, right?
ReplyDeleteWelcome to "not worried about my pace!" club. :) It's amazing how a faster pace can feel "comfortable" if you don't know how fast you're going :)
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