In the zone.
Now that the weather is warm, it's getting to the point where a person can really start getting speedy again. A guy doesn't get faster by base alone. Finally, it's time to start getting fast again. The folks at EMU are doing a 5K on Saturday, which is right off my back doors, so I thought I'd do that, and then get out for the rest of my miles after that. Two weeks after that is the yearly trek to Lake in the Hills IL for the very hilly and very challenging Run Thru the Hills 10K. Three weeks after that is the trip to Toledo for the Glass City Half, which I am really excited about. I'm hoping to challenge my Dexter Ann Arbor PR from a few years back, and go sub 1:28. Four weeks after that, of course, is the big enchilada, Bayshore.
Today was the first step to being fast. I tried 12 miles at MP, and I stayed pretty true to that, around 7:15/mi or so. It's 7:26/mi to qualify for Boston, but after such a laid back weekend of running after traveling, it seemed prudent to go out and do it a little faster today. I've almost forgotten what it feels like to challenge your pain threshold, to get out there and tell yourself that its ok to run fast for just a little bit longer. It felt awesome, especially after the cold weather (and early mornings).
That's one thing I also like about the winter to spring transition, the cold weather also usually slows me down, makes me work harder (Especially sub 30 degrees). Get above freezing or so, and it seems like I'm good for 5-15 seconds faster per mile. My usually easy runs are now peeking about 8:20-8:25, not 8:30-8:40. It's like a free speed boost. Good stuff!
Today was the first step to being fast. I tried 12 miles at MP, and I stayed pretty true to that, around 7:15/mi or so. It's 7:26/mi to qualify for Boston, but after such a laid back weekend of running after traveling, it seemed prudent to go out and do it a little faster today. I've almost forgotten what it feels like to challenge your pain threshold, to get out there and tell yourself that its ok to run fast for just a little bit longer. It felt awesome, especially after the cold weather (and early mornings).
That's one thing I also like about the winter to spring transition, the cold weather also usually slows me down, makes me work harder (Especially sub 30 degrees). Get above freezing or so, and it seems like I'm good for 5-15 seconds faster per mile. My usually easy runs are now peeking about 8:20-8:25, not 8:30-8:40. It's like a free speed boost. Good stuff!