I'm Chill Like That

I signed up for the State to State Half-Marathon on September 16 and I had that race on my mind as I did my 9 mile pace run this morning. Since turning 44 in February, I have met my goal of PRing in every distance I raced. Now I just want to continue the streak of PRs. That means finishing the Half faster than 2:09. But why stop there? I'd like to hit 2:05 or lower.

The weather was nice and brisk and I really tried to hit my pace this morning. In fact, I tried to beat my pace in every mile. I wanted to see a 9:xx whenever the Garmin beeped. Until Mile 6, I met my goal, between Miles 5-6 the course begins a steady and steep uphill climb that doesn't end until mile 8.

1 --10:06
2 -- 9:56
3 -- 9:08
4 -- 9:19
5 -- 9:42
6 -- 10:25 (Uphill)
7 -- 10:52 (Uphill)
8 -- 10:05 (Uphill halfway)
9 -- 10:14
AVG. PACE: 9:59

See what I mean? The problem is, the hills are so steep that it's hard to get my legs back after I'm done with them.

I'm happy to have a race coming up to keep me sharp. I was starting to feel sluggish, running mile after mile, feeling slower and slower.

Have a great Saturday. Shabbat Shalom!