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
Sounds like it is coming along great, just be sure you don’t get so use to running fast that you mess up running long. As Yoda told Luke, “Control, control, you must learn Control.” Amazing little green guy wasn’t he?