The plan was a descending run from a warm-up pace to marathon pace. I have to admit, as I started the run I had a lot of doubts. Things didn't feel right. The water belt was driving me insane (I hope to do a whole post about this someday). The roads were slippery and cars weren't giving me a whole lot of room. And it was a lot colder than the temperature indicated outside. I pressed on anyway and did the first segment averaging an 8:57. The next segment was supposed to be faster and with the wind standing me up, it took me a little longer and with a little more effort to actually achieve the pace. Around miles 8 and 9 something happened, though. I hit the zone. I love the zone. It is my favorite part of running. The miles tick off; the pace seems light; I hear and see nothing. Before I know it I'm back in town heading to my car to rearrange water bottles and nutrition. I finish the second segment averaging 8:23. Finally I'm on the last 6 miles and it's going to be tough as I'm heading back out again. The last 16 miler I ran had me suffering starting at around mile 13 and I fully expected that again. Except, it didn't happen. I was flying and feeling fantastic. I busted through the next three miles and then it was time to turn around and head back to my car for the last time. Since I only had three miles left and I was still feeling great, it was time to let the legs fly. I thought at any point the monkey would jump on my back, but it never happened. I finished the last segment averaging 7:58 and my overall average for the 18 miles was 8:26. I am SO loving marathon training right now.
I was excited to come home and enter my data for coach. Instead I came home to no electricity which meant no heat in the house and no hot cocoa. :( It also meant a shower in the dark and a trip to my parents' house to watch the OSU basketball game.
Once our power did come back on and I sent the workout to coach this is the response I got:
EXCELLENT PACING!!!!
This workout was a big confidence boost for upcoming races. The first of which is this Sunday...
9 comments:
Woo hoo! Awesome run Meredith! I'm glad that it's all coming together again! :) Best of luck this weekend. Can't wait to hear how it goes!
Nice run
I am so sick of our weather, I wanted to run on saturday, but it started sleeting and heavy snow, your more hardcore then me
woohoo!yippeee for the zone!
Isn't that the best feeling ever? Good luck on Sunday! :)
Nice job Meredith! You rock!
Congrats on a great run! Hopefully you're able to call up that zone for your race. I love the "zone" and can't wait to find my groove this year!
Nice work! Can't wait to hear about thie race this weekend!
That is GREAT!! Those "zones" are the best :)
so glad you had a good run, but also so incredibly jealous. My running has been shit! Oh well.. this blog is not about me so I will just say YEAH! and congrats! YOu are going to ROCK It.. I mean THEM!
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