Saturday, April 3, 2010

Nine Mile Run

Holy Saturday started off with a nine mile run. This was my last long run before the half-marathon. From here on out, nothing longer than six miles. Taper has arrived!

My plan for the race is to go out slow-steady and then pick it up at the end. I believe that this strategy that has the best potential to position me to accomplish my main goal - finishing strong, feeling good, smiling, and wanting to do it again.

With that in mind, I wanted to test out this approach on my last long-ish run. Success! I finished with a smile and am feeling great! I ran the first seven miles at ~10:52 and the last two miles at ~10:14. Overall average pace was 10:44. I will be thrilled if I can to do it just like that on race day.

After the run, for a cool down, I spend some quality time walking each of my dogs separately. This is to practice what I'm learning in the obedience class. Leash manners are getting much better! Maybe in another month I can try walking them together.

A few of you asked about pictures of the dogs. Here's one that I took last week that might give you some idea of their sizes. I was inside the fenced garden area watering my strawberries and Stymie was peeking his head through trying to find out what was going on in there. Bandit didn't seem too interested. I'll try for some better photos later this week. :-)

Happy Easter, everyone!

21 comments:

  1. Great job on the run!

    I didn't know today was called "Holy Saturday." At first, I thought you were making some kind of Batman reference, like: "Holy Saturday, Batman!"

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  2. Hooray for the taper!!!
    That was a great run and it's a super omen that you finished strong!
    Love the dogs!

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  3. Sounds bliss!

    Have a happy Easter!

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  4. Congrats on your last long run. Sounds like you are very prepared for your upcoming race.

    Enjoy your Easter!

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  5. Hi Lisa,
    Way to bust out a nine mile run!! You are going to do great at your half marathon:) I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Easter!

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  6. Great job with your 9-miler! It sounds like you are more than ready for your half. Have a great taper!

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  7. Awesome strategy for a nine-miler and come race day, you'll do it!

    Happy Easter (and happy taper!)

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  8. Yay for the last long run! Your strategy sounds like a great idea.
    Cute dooggies! ;)

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  9. Happy Easter! Congrats on Taper Time.

    I hear you on leash walking...

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  10. that half mara is YOURS, lisa - you've earned it!

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  12. Great job on the 9-miler! Finishing strong is such a good feeling and excellent practice for race day!

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  13. nice job on the 9-miler! glad things went well. hope you had a good easter weekend!

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  14. Great long run!

    And ADORABLE dogs. :o)

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  15. Great job on your run. It sounds like your pacing plan worked really well and it sounds like you are so ready for your race! Sending lots of luck your way!

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  16. yay for a great run, and tapering and cute dogs! i love the pics, they are precious.

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  17. You are more than ready! Excellent running! Your dogs are cute. Are they doing well in obedience class?

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  18. Great job on your last long run!!!

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