Phillip decided to take the day off of work, which allowed me to run up in Provo today with Michelle, Sasha, and Ted. It was great to join an experienced group of runners. Everyday, I learn more about those I run with (on a personal level...and as athletes who share one of my passions).
Warm up at 6am with Michelle for about 20 minutes; I'm guessing that it was about 2.25 miles. The following are some of the times recorded while running the course (thanks to Michelle):
Mile/Split:
#1 7:15
#2 7:30
#3 6:54
#4 7:15
#5 7:08 With a turn around
#6 6:58
#7 6:33(?)
#8 7:03
#9 6:58 I begin to struggle during the next mile. Michelle is in front...Ted and Sasha oblige to pace. Sasha mentions that I ought to close the small gap that is developing...that it will help me stay with them. I find it difficult to muster the umpf. (From Michelle's log entry, she made it sound as though she was struggling just as much. There certainly is something to be said for experience and metal determination.) Sasha attempts to relay to me the course "turn around point" as they begin to pull away.
#10-13 I've misunderstood where the turn-around point is. I approach the bridge past Macey's but didn't remember Sasha saying that it should have been that far and that I should cross over the bridge. (To be honest, there is a fair amount he said to me that I didn't hear. In part because of his accent and also because I was not longer running right next to him.) So I turn around, just short of the bridge wondering if they had jumped up onto State Street. I figured there was a chance that I might see which direction they were taking back. I never do see them but continue on State back to Sasha's house. I see them; they finish in front of Sasha's home the same time I do.
I finish the tempo in 1:30.
Sasha believes that I'm close to 13 miles for my distance...perhaps just short. He believes I'm under a 3hr marathon pace. That's a bit hard to believe...
Note: Ran around 11miles back on the 22nd of October (I think with Michelle), which is the longest run I have done since St.George. Dropping my miles has probably hurt my endurance a bit but I am still satisfied that I worked hard and had a great time rubbing shoulders (at least for most of the run) with amazing athletes! Hope to do it again soon. | 