The Colfax Half Marathon is just two weeks away, so this morning I got up early to put in my last long run before race day.
For the past few weeks, I haven’t managed to get out of the house much before 10 a.m. for my long runs, but this week I was out by 6:30 a.m. The trail that I do most of my long runs on – the Big Dry Creek trail – usually has quite a few people on it by the time I get on it, but this morning, I think I only saw 3 people during the entire run. I did see quite a few more cottontail rabbits than I usually see though, and also the usual collection of prairie dogs.
I opted to go minimalist today and forgo the iPod since I’m not planning to wear it for the half. I have been doing most of my longer runs with it lately, and I actually really enjoyed going without it. I guess I just felt more in tune with the environment, and I liked hearing the geese fly overhead and come in for landings at the little ponds near the trail.
I’ve pretty much given up on the idea of setting a PR at Colfax since I had to take a lot of time off when I was trying to recover from plantar fasciitis, so I didn’t even try to go for speed during this morning’s run. Instead, I settled into a nice, relaxed pace, not paying too much attention to my Garmin except for the mileage beeps so I’d know when to turn around and head for home.
All in all, it was a really good run. I felt strong throughout, which kind of surprised me because this was my longest run in several weeks. I guess I was helped either by a bit of residual stamina that I didn’t think I had, or maybe it was just the Honey Stinger gels that I took at about 4 miles and 8 miles.
Either way, I ended up running a negative split, and also a few seconds per mile faster than my 10 miler last week, which really helps my confidence heading into my taper weeks.
I hope everyone’s training is going well, and wish you all luck at your upcoming racees.
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{ 12 comments }
Twitter: runnerkara
May 4, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I run Garmin free – at least once a week. lol
Sounds like a great run. Sometimes the time off is good for the body, and I have a feeling that you’ll do great at your half. I can’t wait to read all about it!
Sandy
Twitter: fitarella
May 5, 2008 at 7:44 am
I HEART early morning runs! Which marathon are you running after Colfax? Are you doing NYC too? Question about the ipod…have you ever run a marathon with it? I’ve run two marathons, both without music because the rules said not to. But when I got there everyone and their mama had headphones on! Music seems to always give me a little push on my long runs, so now that I’m running NYC I’m seriously considering using my ipod..what do you think? thanks!
Happy training — it should be a great course this year!
Twitter: kchealy
May 5, 2008 at 8:52 am
Thanks, Liz. I’m sure a lot of people are pleased about the route change…there seemed to be a lot of complaints about the uphill at the end on the old course!
Twitter: kchealy
May 5, 2008 at 9:00 am
@Jacqueline Carly – Yes, I’m doing NYC too – I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll be my first marathon in a really long while.
Re: the iPod – I guess it depends. I honestly don’t think it helps me all that much, and I wouldn’t want to take the risk of it being confiscated. But if it helps you, you’re willing to take the risk, and you keep your volume low enough so you’re not endangering anyone else by not being aware of who and what’s around you, maybe you should try to wear it. But you should probably also try a few of your long training runs without it, just so you’ll be used to that in case the policy is being strongly enforced.
Twitter: kchealy
May 5, 2008 at 9:01 am
@Kara – I usually run Garmin-free if I’m on the track (or inside) – but I do love having it on the long runs!
Twitter: kchealy
May 5, 2008 at 9:05 am
@Sandy – Thanks so much! I appreciate the good thoughts!
Twitter: fitarella
May 5, 2008 at 11:59 am
Thanks. That’s pretty much what I thought. I got through both the Chicago & Marine Corps marathons w/o it so what’s one more right?
yay! So excited you’re doing NYC too!
Kristen,
Good luck to you at the Colfax. At least I hope that it’s a nice day!
Twitter: FitMom
May 10, 2008 at 8:03 am
Sounds like a great run. Wishing for more trails around here! My knees are inflamed and I haven’t run in two days…hopefully they will feel better soon.
Good luck on your half!
Twitter: kchealy
May 10, 2008 at 11:03 am
@Rachel M – Thanks for the good wishes…hope your knees improve soon!
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