March 13, 2007
Temp: 75; mostly sunny; light breeze; low humidity.
Another perfect day for a run. Until the pollen fills the air, this is the best time of the year to run. I was scheduled for 8 miles, but with such perfect conditions I almost immediately decided to go longer.
I ran the first five miles along the highway east of Parkville, then finished up in the dark on the path in English Landing Park. I pushed it because I felt I needed to stretch myself some. You don't improve by staying in your comfort zone all the time. I usually push it in some way on Tuesdays, so this was really no different.
After my official 8 miles I slowed the pace to about 9:25 for the last two miles, but even so my overall average was 8:59. Along the way I had an 8:24 and an 8:35 in miles 7 and 8. I actually started too fast, or I think my fastest miles would have been faster. I would say I was never more than 80 percent of maximum effort at any time.
Overall, a really good run. I don't know how I'll do in the marathon, but at least I feel like I'm getting into really good shape.