I intended to take it slow today, but I didn't stick to that plan. I thought I would run 2:08 but I finished in 1:56. I ran the first four miles in just over 30 minutes with no real effort. Then I ran the next four miles in 29 minutes, which was a surprise since I had to run up the hill at 9000 South. The third quarter was about 29 minutes too.
And then, I decided to see what I could do to finish the run. My new mantra has become "willing to suffer." I repeat this saying to myself when things become difficult. I knocked off 30 seconds per mile for the last four miles, finishing the last quarter in just under 27 minutes. Those final four splits were 6:31, 6:42, 6:44, and 6:49. Maybe not the most impressive numbers, but I was sure happy.
A couple of notes. My iPod stopped working at Mile 5 and I was much more focused on my breathing. Also, I didn't take any fluids with me. I ate a Larabar about halfway throught the run, but that means I only needed to consume 190 calories despite expending close to 2000. I would have expected to feel terrible, but I recovered really quickly with a protein shake and lots of food throughout the rest of the day.
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