Day 63 - Cruise Control

Yesterday was my final long training run.  I was fortunate to be home before it started raining for the day.  Last week I slacked off quite a bit and only ran 3.0 miles on Monday morning.  Miraculously my body felt amazing while I was out for my run and I finished with a pace of 9:13/mile!  WOOO!

As I looked down at my watch during my first couple of miles, I noted I was moving pretty good.  At that point I started questioning how best to attack my run and my half next weekend.  If the body is feeling good and moving swiftly, should I ride it as long as I can?  Or, should I slow it down to the 9:35/9:40 average pace that I hope finish the race with?

I don't want to sell myself short.  One of my goals is to beat my previous half marathon time of 2:10:44.  That's a pace of 9:59/mile.  I've been training at a pace much better than this and I know how race atmospheres are - at this point I believe my goal is attainable.

In addition, I've been reviewing the elevation chart for the course.  There's a steep downhill at the start of the race and it flattens out for miles 4 through 7.  After that, it's going to be tough going.  This leads me to the conclusion that I better keep those legs moving as best I can through the first 7 miles, build up a "lead" for myself and hope my legs can handle the last 6 on adrenaline.  Cruise control it is.

It'll be calm and quiet around the house this week as we rest up for next weekend.  Both sets of parents are planned to be in town and I'm excited for Husband to complete his first half.  Earlier this week I achieved my fundraising goal of $1500 for Girls on the Run.  I just hope the wind is at my back for some of next weekend's run.  We are so ready for this!