15.68 mi, 2:09:18, 8:15 avg
Redo of Friday's attempted run. Not ideal conditions for running but passable. I had three ideas where to run: 1. try Palm Harbor again, less driving but warmer by a few degrees, 2. run on Starkey Blvd, a little cooler but a little more driving, or 3. Drive to Brooksville, almost an hour away but would be less than 75 degrees.
I decided on Starkey Blvd. Plan was to finish the 1.5 mile warm up before sunrise and start the MP miles before sunrise but while getting light out. Got there a little bit late. Ran into Cynthia, Joe, and Renee. They were going to run 1 mile easy , followed by 1.5 miles at 7:40 pace, and then onto some other stuff. So, I ran 1/2 mile while waiting for everyone and joined them with another 1 mile easy and then ran their 1.5 miles with them. This helped me a lot to ease into the faster pace without the stress of setting my own pace. Said good bye and continued on another 1.5 miles at the same pace.
One 3 mile repeat down, 3 more to go. Kept on running north and into Starkey Park, onto the bike trail and ran the one mile from the Sun to Pluto and then a little beyond, turning back with about 1/2 mile left so I'd end up at the water stop during the 2-3 minute break. After making it for the second set I knew I was capable of finishing. The water jug at the water stop was full and cold, that helped tremendously.
Got going again, ticking off the miles, 1, 2, 3. Third mile was getting tough and I slowed a little bit.
For the final set, I gave myself a small cheat and stopped 1.5 miles in, stopping at the bridge to stretch. Found some new life in my legs, then finished up the second half of the fourth set.
I pulled it off somehow and redeemed my failed Friday run, taking the chance that when I quit on Friday I would actually try again and would not quit this time.
Splits for the 4x3 mile sets:
- 7:36, 7:33, 7:28
- 7:31, 7:34, 7:32
- 7:37, 7:24, 7:40
- 7:30, 7:35, 7:21
Stopped back at my car for my gatorade slushie then finished up the 1.5 mile warm down. Banged my head on the car door when I opened it and was standing too close, giving myself a small slice on my eyebrow.
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