I've been running a lot of hills this winter so I wanted to get in a good long run at a steady pace. My goal was to run the first 10-miles between a 8:30 and 8:45 pace and then see how I do on the way back. Running hills is much different as it is harder to maintain a fast pace so I was unsure how I would do in the second half (if I could keep the pace up). I hoped to come in with an avg under 9:00 for the 20 miles and I hoped to run it without stopping (other than if I need water refill or a bathroom break).
In addition, this was going to be my first long run alone. :( I've been running with a group most of the winter. Even if my family was not in town, I planned to skip the group run on Sat since I wanted a flat run for my long run.
The run went great. I started off at a 8:35 or so pace and kept it up. I wanted to make sure I did not push myself too fast the first few miles but still gave a little room to slow the pace if needed. I felt good. I used powerbar Gel at mile 5 and 10. I kept a steady pace. About the half way point, I dropped the avg pace to about 8:33. On the route back, I tried to keep the steady pace. My goal was to make it to mile 15 at about an 8:30ish pace and then try to gut out the last 5 miles and hopefully not fall too far off pace.
By mile 15 I lowered my avg pace to 8:30. I kept it at that avg pace for a few miles. I started slowing down in miles 17 and 18. My avg pace dropped to 8:34. I decided to try to keep it at that pace to the end. I was getting tired the last mile, but pushed hard and dropped my avg pace to 8:33 for the 20 mile run.
Here are some recent pictures of Brooklyn, she is 11 weeks old (as of yesterday):
Me and Brooklyn:
Brooklyn with Jake and Jenny
Brooklyn having fun (that is Jenny that you can see)
Brooklyn with her friend Leo:
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