Getting Close

I really wish I had more time to keep up with my training plans on this blog, but there is just too much to balance.  The good news is that I have been able to stay on track through everything with training - not perfectly, but good enough - I HOPE!

Today, with just over 2 weeks left until race day, I did my longest and fastest run to date. 

6.5 miles (half the race distance)

1 hour 19 minutes

12:09 minute/mile

I realized about 2 weeks ago, that while my training was progressing well enough, I was almost exclusively training on the treadmill at PrimeTime - and this half marathon will not be on a treadmill!!  I decided to move ALL my runs outside.  We have some great local trails, but most won't allow dogs, so Ginger almost always goes with me and that limits us.  It's fine though, we have a great trail that is right on the bay with a great view of the bay and the airport and even a really nice golf course along the way!

I then realized early last week that I was doing just fine increasing my distances and I knew that I could go the full 13 miles if I needed to - but not at any reasonable race pace - not one that will get me to finish the race before the pacer car picks me up.  I was just moving too slowly and walking too much.  Part of it was low energy and not feeling well and on top of that we had some warmer days, and I was running in the heat and sun.  Alas, NO EXCUSES!  So, I have stepped it up....I can just hope it is enough and in enough time.

I am hopeful - since today I did a just over a 12 minute mile and I could have gone longer if needed.  I like to think I could have doubled that distance and especially in a race day environment, but I just don't know.  I hope to do 8-12  miles for my last long run late next week, so we will see!