Sunday, May 11, 2008

One More Week

This morning I completed my last long run for my half marathon training: 12 miles. After yesterday's gorgeous weather today dawned gray and cool. A check of the weather radar map revealed a large storm swirling off to the south that was guaranteed to bring rain to the area. I couldn't put off this run so I dressed for the probable conditions (tights, Dri-Fit long-sleeved shirt, jacket) and hoped I would be able to get in most of the miles before the rain hit. John decided to accompany me on his mountain bike while I ran. I still carried my own Gatorade and Gu in my CamelBak because I wanted to get used to hydrating and eating on the fly during the race. We set out just after 9:00 on this route:


I decided I wanted to approach this run much like I did last week's 11-miler; that is, to run at or below my intended race pace to see how reachable my goal of a sub-2 hour half will be. I also decided I wanted to run a negative split, doing the last 6 miles faster than the first 6.

Mile 1: 9:03
Mile 2: 8:52
Mile 3: 8:57
Mile 4: 8:59
Mile 5: 9:14 (hills)
Mile 6: 8:52

Total for first half: 53:55

It was around the sixth mile when the rain that had been threatening finally made its presence known. A light sprinkle soon gave way to a steady rain and I was soon soaked. I pulled the sleeve of my Nike shirt over my Garmin to protect it and forged onward. Now I dug in for the second half of the run.

Mile 7: 8:30
Mile 8: 8:22
Mile 9: 8:22
Mile 10: 8:22
Mile 11: 8:31
Mile 12: 8:43

Total for second half: 51:23

I was surprised (and pleased) to see I had maintained the exact same pace for three straight miles. I was also pleased to see my negative split plan had worked.

Total for entire run: 12 miles, 1:44:45, 8:44/mile.

This bodes extremely well for my race plans. One week from now we will most likely be almost back to my parents' in Cleveland, another half marathon under my belt.

6 comments:

Fritz said...

Garmins should be able to say 30 minutes under one meter of water- and if I know engineers, it probably could be closer to an hour.

So I wouldn't worry too much about protecting it from rain. :)

You're looking great, and I'm looking forward to reading your race report! Good luck!

Nitmos said...

It'd be nice if you could plan the rain every time during the second half of your runs. Looks like it puts a jump in your step. Good luck in the Dexter-AA! Looks like you are ready.

Sun Runner said...

the Dexter-AA!

No, no-- next Sunday is the Marine Corps Historic Half down in Virginia! Then we'll see about the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run. I want to do something that day but who knows what distance it will be. I need to work on shaving my 5K time, I could try for another 10K, or try to improve my hopefully two-week-old half marathon PR. A full day of possibilities!

B. Kramer said...

Nice run! If you had planned better, you could have met me with a 12-pack of Great Lakes at the finish line in Cleveland. Good luck on your race.

Unknown said...

The way you are motoring don't be surprised if you don't dip under 1 hr 50 min..good luck

Tina said...

Awesome run! Good luck in the Half!