Last week, after my 3 mile experiement, Paul noted that I should be careful not to mess up running long. During my 10 mile run, I felt that I had mastered the art of starting slow and finishing strong. I certainly did okay during my 7 mile run on Saturday. Unfortunately, things were not so good today.
I set out for my 6 mile run with the goal of running 9:15 minute miles. With that in mind, I hoped to run the first mile in 10:00 to 10:15. I ran it in 9:13. That didn’t worry me too much. After all, I’ve been starting fast on my three mile runs lately and turning in great times. Still, I slowed during my secind mile….at least I thought I did. A ran the second mile in 9:00.
Things were getting worse, though. I was starting to get tired. Still, I ran the 3rd mile in 8:54. I was like a runaway train. No control at all. I sinoly couldn’t slow down. At about 3.3 miles, I came to a water fountain and took a 1 minute walk break. I really needed it.
I ran the 4th mile in 9:19. It was my slowest mile of the whole run, but only because of the walk break. I ra nthe fifth mile in 8:39 and I was dead. I had to take another walk break. I ran the 6th mile in 9:02 and I was exhausted when I finished. There was certainly no finishing kick today. I stumbled to 6 miles, staring at my Garmin the whole way. I averaged 9:01 minute miles…much better than my goal pace, but I certainly didn’t execute my plan for the run, and I didn’t enjoy it at all.
Planned workout
8 minutes warmup
6 miles at 9:15 pace
8 minutes cooldown
Actual workout
1 mile warmup
6 miles at 9:01 pace
1 mile cooldown
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