There’s something special about the last hard workout before a race. It’s a chance to test out any new gear, and get mentally ready for the event.
My coach Darren asked the marathoners to join the early group today. Generally I consider the early group=the fast group: today we ran with Colleen De Reuck, Katie Blackett and Joanna Zeiger, who are preparing for THEIR marathon on Saturday, a little event know as the Olympic Trials! (Story about them in the Daily Camera).
We warmed up and then ran 4×5:00 at marathon pace. This time I ran with Lydia (who’s aiming for a 3:10) with a goal of 7:15s. I messed up my watch on the first one, but the next three went 7:09, 7:00, 6:58. It was definitely tough not to give chase and keep our pace where it was supposed to be – even with our pace slightly fast, that was a lot of forcing ourselves to slow down!
What a great way to get ready for the race! I felt really strong, and while I know we only did 20 minutes at race pace, it felt pretty good.
Now I’m eager to run, and I know it’ll be tough to reign it in this week to taper. The group is meeting up for a light run Saturday afternoon, and then it’s game time!
