13:10 on Cloud 9
8May 30, 2012 by CJ
I admit, I’ve been slacking. Slacking with running, writing and getting things done. I have many excuses I can put out there, but I won’t bother. I’m motivated now, so let’s get to it!
Yesterday I received a package in the mail. My racing bib and tech shirt for my race this Saturday! I totally forgot I paid extra to have them mail me my bib (no race day packet pickup). Seeing it, just got me all excited. Ā I knew I was ready to get my run on. I went to bed early, just so I could wake up bright-eyed and rested for my morning tour of the neighborhood.
Black V-neck Tech Tee…LOVE IT!! Wish I could wear it race day, but the cool kids told me not to
I started using a new running app, Runmeter. I LOVE this app! I don’t think I have figured out all the nooks and crannies to it, I need more time to play around with it. One of the things I have discovered with this app is I can set my goal pace. I didn’t realize what a valuable tool this is. I don’t know about you, but I can get lost in thought, or music, pretty much just about anything and before I know it, I’ve completed my run with a super slow pace. With this, I set my desired pace range and during my run I am gently reminded to pick up the pace or slow down. No more getting lost in the music or debating in my head for 30 minutes what I will eat for lunch. I know for a fact my recent runs have been faster than normal because of this awesome feature.
The last race I took part in, my pace was an extremely slow 15:04. I’ve decided for my next race I want to aim for 14:30, I think this will allow me to run hard, but walk if I need to. I also decided that during my morning runs I should push myself a little harder and aim for an average pace of 13:30. I got up this morning super excited for my 30 minute run. I set my pace range for 12:10-13:54 and went off.
Various Paces
I’ve been doing a 5 min run/ 1 min walk for my short runs and I kept with this plan today too. I felt great the entire time. I pushed myself when needed and was able to relax too.Ā There were even times when I felt I didn’t need to stop and do the walk for a minute! Is it possible for me to run the entire thing? I think so. Maybe I’ll do it one of these days. Anyway, when I got home I checked my pace and just about screamed. It was 13:10! Thirteen effing ten!! According to Runmeter, my fastest pace was 10:13/mile. OMG!! As I type this I still cannot believe it. Needless to say, I have been on cloud 9 all day. It’s difficult to not be happy when you realize that you have outdone yourself. I cannot wait to hit the road again and see what I can do next time around.
Goals for my Upcoming Race
- Begin hydrating Friday (it’s supposed to be a hot day)
- Get to bed early Friday night
- On Saturday eat before I leave the house and bring something with me to eat once I get to the race site
- Review race course
- Pin gels and gu’s inside my pockets
- Complete race with 14:30 average pace
- If I start to feel overheated, dizzy or bad in anyway -walk, don’t worry about my pace or finish time
- Enjoy the scenery, take a picture or two
- Smile whenever I see a camera
- Run the tangents
Related articles
- I Did It!! (50thingsbeforeiturn50.wordpress.com)
- Racing, running and sometimes walking to the finish at Cotton Row Run (minndixiemom.wordpress.com)
50 Things Before I Turn 50 
Have a great race! š
Thanks!
That is so awesome that you had that pace!!! So happy for you! Good luck on your race this weekend! I’m sure you’ll do great!
Thanks!! I’m still pumped and excited and that’s half the battle. š
10:13 – you were flying – awesome! Have a great race this weekend!
Thank you! It’s hard to imagine that I was moving that fast. But it’s nice to know I did, even for a little while.
This is SO exciting, and I know exactly how you feel! š Have an amazing race this weekend. Above all, have fun! I hope you managed to pick up one of those headbands. Good luck!
Thanks! I plan on posting soon about the race. I did not pick up a headband, but I did get a kick ass visor!. š