Since deciding to self-coach for a while, I have been trying to determine weak spots in my training. One that sticks out is my lack of confidence in my ability to maintain a faster pace over a long distance, i.e. the half marathon.
I have decided to build in some longer tempo runs at a faster pace into my training schedule. I want to know what it’s going to feel like to push myself over more than a few miles.
On Wednesday, I headed out for a dinner time run of 5 miles. I wanted to keep the pace at just under 8 minute miles. I finished the 5 in 7:54 with my last mile the fastest. I was so happy after the run because a) I didn’t feel like I was going to die (as mentioned before, I haven’t been so speedy as of late!) and b) I felt like I could go for longer.
If I can build on these runs and work on increasing the mileage, I think I will be in a good place for running a half marathon at my goal time. It was just such a good feeling to know that I can push my body and it will indeed respond—another confidence boosting run!
Next weekend will be my first trail race—eek! Who is racing this weekend?
That is one of my weaknesses too. In fact if I feel like I am running particularly fast (for me) I do everything I can to ignore my desire to know what my pace is. I’m afraid I will psych myself out if I look at my Garmin at all.
I hear ya on that one Rose! 🙂
Sounds like a great run! I definitely struggle with that too. My first and second miles are good, but then I slow down. I hate that, and need to work on that!
I’m running a 5k race tomorrow. Going for a PR!
Great job! I LOVE tempo runs – they build your confidence so much!!!!