Hello August runners!!
Today was my last long run before my race in two weeks. Our clinic group headed out to run the actual half-marathon course since we were scheduled for 20k anyhow. I'm really glad we did this since I now have a better idea of what to expect and how to pace myself in regards to the two large hills early in the course.
During my past few long runs I've hit a mental/energy level dip around the 12K mark so today I did my shot blocks a bit earlier and it really seemed to help. I didn't start to get tired until the 18K mark, which seemed like a pretty reasonable reaction to running for 2 hours!
My goal for this race has been to come in under 2:30, and with our very relaxed and socializing pace today we came in at 2:26 so I'm feeling very confident that I'll do well. My official time for my half 6 years ago was 2:14 (though I'd done the distance at 1:45 a week previous
) and I would be thrilled to no end if I were able to beat that time. I don't want to pressure myself on that number, though, so I won't hold it up as my goal.
So the rest of this week continues as normal (11 hill reps on Wednesday!!) then I taper starting next week. I'm getting so excited!!!