The Need For Speed

I conquered my hill repeat run this morning.  I went down and up and down and up, I think 6 times.  I lost count.  I have each as laps on my GPS watch but I have never connected it to the computer ... maybe I should do that... anywho, the run was exhausting.  Warm-up, repeats, and cool down - 2.6 miles in about 28 minutes.  I probably could have done more but  I needed to get back to get ready for work.  I have to start somewhere though!

I've become grossly aware of just how slow I really am when it comes to running.  In the Colorado Half Marathon, I was one of the last 150 runners to finish the half marathon.  Out of 1200 runners.  And while I realize that my medal looks just like everyone else's and there is no way I will ever be the fastest runner in any race, I can't help but think about what it would be like to be faster.  To be able to save myself thirty minutes of running, or more, just by being faster.

I want to be faster.  An average 12:25 pace is better than nothing, but I know my body is capable of doing more.  I know I've got an extra ten pounds just on each thigh alone.  Imagine how much faster I could be if that weight wasn't there.  My legs are doing most of the heavy lifting during a long run so logic suggests that stronger, leaner legs should make me faster.

But how to get there?  Concentrated effort.  I can't just half ass it all and expect my legs to get stronger.  I'm lucky my half ass attempt at training was enough to get me across the finish line in the Colorado Half.  I can do better than that.  My goals should no longer be "just to finish."  I've been there, done that.  I know I can finish.  Now it's time to start improving and setting goals that will reflect my effort when accomplished.

I have another half marathon in August.  August 10th to be exact.  I want to set a PR.  By first Disney half was 2:40.  My second was 2:46.  This last half was 2:43.  My race in August, I'm aiming for 2:30.  That's 13 minutes faster, or one minute per mile less, or an 11:25ish/minute average.

I'm going to force myself into hill workouts which are supposed to be the greatest thing ever for increasing leg strength and overall speed.  And I just so happen to be moving right next to a perfect hill for hill repeats so I have no legitimate excuses.

And maybe along the way, I'll be fast enough to reach my other goal, a sub 30 minute 5K.