Final Preparation

I met Bain, Murphy and Reaves yesterday for what I called a “maintenance check”. The goal was to run 2 miles at 10-mile pace. This was supposed to feel easy and not intended as a workout. Ever since Army 10 Miler (when I went out in 5:03…then 5:02), I’ve been nervous/anxious about my pacing. I need to relax! In addition, I’ve been running 5ks and going out 20-30 seconds faster per mile than I hope to on Sunday.

The plan was to run the first mile between 5:10 and 5:12 and the second mile around 5:09…or simply 5:09 pace. I hit the ½ mile mark (we were running on the CCT…and not the track) in 2:35 – right on pace. Hit mile 1 in 5:10 and then cruised in with a 5:08…for a 10:18 – perfect! 5:09 pace on the dot. Now I need to be able to repeat this on Sunday then keep it going for 3 miles without dipping any faster.

My goal for Cherry Blossom is to hit 5 miles in 25:45 (5:09 pace)…then try to go all in at 8 miles. Need to break this race down. This is easier said than done, but I’ve come a long way in my training since October. I have been studying the map and read it every morning. I know my intended splits.

The Cherry Blossoms were out on Dorset…with a little sunshine it would have been brilliant.