Half Marathon Taper

 This morning, I woke up at 6 and got ready to meet up with a running group from a couple towns away.  I haven't been running with them for much of my training, but I am in taper now so I wanted to join.  I got there early so I did a mile and half on my own before meeting up with the group.  The group runs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, generally for about an hour at about 9:30-10 minute pace.  They run on the Boston marathon route and through amazing trails and they always have great runs that are different week to week.  Right away, I asked if anyone wanted to add on.  Walter (who just ran a 1:49 half) volunteered and I was pretty lucky because the route he chose was gorgeous.  I had planned on doing the 7 miles with the group, then going back to my car and getting my water.  I never ended up doing that because Walter and I broke off from the group at about the 6.5+ mile mark (my 8+mile mark).  But... it was so cold this morning that I really didn't need water.

 

Yes, it was 35 degrees out according to my car.  Umm, thats winter time cold! So on September 25th, it was 85 degrees here in Boston and now, four weeks later, it's 35!!!!  Good thing I had bundled up (unlike last week). Anyway, enough rambling... here's the splits.

13.1 Miles- 2:02:03/ 9:19 pace

Mile 1: 8:58 

(by myself on the track)

Mile 2: 9:29

Mile 3: 9:27

Mile 4: 9:14

Mile 5: 9:42

(trails)

Mile 6: 10:00

(hilly trails)

Mile 7: 9:49

(trails)

Mile 8: 9:09

Mile 9: 9:25

(breaking up from the group, saying goodbye)

Mile 10: 9:08

Mile 11: 9:07

Mile 12: 8:51

Mile 13: 8:53

(Walter and I got back to the parking lot at 12.75 so I jumped on the track to finish up and hit 13.1)

So looking at these splits, they are a bit all over the place but there are good reasons for it.  One, I ran with a big group.  When Nancy and I were leading the group we didn't know where to go so we had to turn back and ask which way to go.  Second reason is we were in trails and trails lead to slower times- especially for me!  I'm always concerned with not tripping!  Walter really pushed me the last 6 miles which was great! Overall, I'm really happy for this runTwo more weeks until NY!

And now I'm enjoying my favorite part of finishing a long run... resting in my bed, reading blogs and working on my weekly menu! Oh... and maybe cleaning... enjoy your weekend!