Good morning!
We are still getting way above average temps in these parts (high 80′s, low 90′s), which is certainly making my running interesting.
Yesterday was the first time in ages that I went out for an early morning run before work. Since my commute is so long, I usually have to run after work most days, but on the days I work from home I can attempt to beat the heat.
I didn’t get out there super early so the sun was already blazing and I found myself doing a lot of walking, especially on the uphills. It was a slow, hot 4.5 miles, but I didn’t totally hate it.
It was also my last training run before the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler this weekend.
So now it’s time for some race goals.
First and foremost, have fun! This has been my primary race goal since I started running. I want to cross the finish line smiling and ready to race again.
As far as time goals, I have a few things in mind. The weather on race day looks to be pretty decent for running. About 49 degrees at the start and creeping up to the mid-50′s by the time I expect to finish. If that forecast doesn’t change, those are absolutely ideal running conditions.
My first time goal is to finish in 1:40:00. That would mean I’d have to average 10 minute miles.
My reach goal is to finish with an average of 9:40 minute miles. After my nine mile run two weeks ago, when I was able to hold that pace and feel strong the whole time, I’m making it an official goal. It’s a reach and it would require lots of things to fall into place perfectly, but you never know.
I’m making myself pace bands for both times, using this nifty tool on the Runner’s World website because I can’t for the life of me do math while running. I’ve tried. It’s not pretty.
I’m super excited to race this weekend. The weather looks to be gorgeous, the Cherry Blossoms will provide some awesome scenery and I’m itching to dive into race season.
For laughs, here’s an old school picture of me at the Cherry Blossom Festival my sophomore year of college. I look about five years old.
Cherry blossom love! The city looks SO pretty right now. Hard to believe it's only early April…
i definitely am hoping that i'll be able to do 10 minute mile… i want to finish off 1:40 if i can do it 1:30-1:35 i'll be thrilled. see you among the runners on sunday!
I'm excited!
I surprised myself at my first 10 miler by holding a 9 min pace doing a Run 4/Walk 1. I know you will have a blast!! I was gonna say cooler temps are on the way in. It's about to rain here to prove it! Have a great race!!!
Good luck on the race and thanks for the pace band calculator!
Laura
A 10 min. mile is a dream for me right now. Hopefully I'll get back there one day.
And we definitely lucked out with the temperatures dropping back to normal this weekend! Good luck, you'll do great!
Good luck with the 10 miler!! I so wish I could see those Cherry Blossoms!!
WAY TO GOO!! You're going to rock it! DC is so pretty right now, too. I'm pretty jealous!
Nah, I'd say you look at least 12. âº
On the other had, have a great race this weekend! Can't wait to hear about it!
Great goals! I definitely think you'll beat 1:40, but that may depend on the size of the crowd.
Enjoy the race! that is certainly one I'd like to do in the future!
Good luck this weekend! Sounds like a beautiful race.
good luck this weekend!! hope you are getting this slight dip in temps that we are here in KY so the unseasonable heat is not around
have fun and run fast!
Good luck this weekend!! Maybe I'll see you out there
Found your blog via Viper's blog. I'm up the road from you in Howard Cty and am also running CB. It's my first in 12 yrs. of running, so I'm excited to see what all the hype is about! Good luck out there.