Based on my recent runs, I decided to go out faster than normal this morning.  I was also testing the “lap” button on my Garmin to see how well it would work for recording my one mile splits.  I took off and completed the first mile in 8:23.  The second mile, around the lake was finished in 7:52.  I got pretty tired around 1.5 miles and contemplated a walk break at 2 miles.  I ended up slowing to an 8:45 pace for a while and I seemed to recover fairly well that way.  I completed the third mile in 8:11.  The final mile was certainly more torturous than usual, but I think things worked out.  I’ve been increasing my 3 mile pace by 15 seconds per mile every other week.  Right now, my goal pace is 8:45.  It’s due to go to 8:30 next week, but I think I’m going to skip that and go straight to 8:15.  I accomplished that today, so it’s clearly not too big a jump.

Planned workout

8 minutes warmup

3 miles at 8:45 pace

8 minutes cool down

Actual workout

8 minutes warmup

3 miles at 8:09 pace

8 minutes cool down