Speed Take Two

So Friday I felt better than I did Thursday and figured since I botched the MP run, I'd go ahead and try it again. I realize that two MP runs in a row probably isn't the best idea, but Thursday's was only 4 miles so again I figured what the heck.

Well, I'm glad I did. I managed 6 miles at an 8:34 pace and that was with a 1/2 mile warmup - so it was 5.5 miles at an 8:30 pace. I still wasn't feeling 100%, it was a bit warm and windy so I'm pretty happy I could do it. In the two previous training cycles I was never able to successfully complete the first few marathon pace runs, so having been able to do it gives me a little bit of confidence.

Saturday I ran 5 and Sunday I ran 12 miles (well 11.35) at a 9:35 pace. It's a bit fast for a long run, but it felt pretty good for the most part. I think my body is pretty used to the 'fuel early and often' approach I took with training for the ultra, because before that training cycle I was able to run without fueling for longer than I am now. I ate clif blox at mile 5 and could have used some more closer to the end but I didn't bring any. I guess I'll have to remember that for next time.

I've got 7 more weeks to train for the marathon and in between there I'm going to attempt another 5k. Not a fan of 5k's but I'd like to see what I can do....