Long Run #1 (official)

Total distance: 11.43 mi

Total time: 1:46:04

Av pace: 9:16

Goal pace: 9:54

Av HR: 160



To try to get a better idea of where I'm at, I planned another mostly flat. Mostly flat, that is, apart from the 1.5 mi of downhill at the beginning, and the 2 miles of uphill at the end (gradual at first, steep for most of the last mile or so). I ran a solid pace of about 9:00 for the flat part, keeping my average HR at 155, but the hill slowed me down big time. I am surprised I slowed as much as I did (to over 10s), especially given that my HR increased to an overall average of about 160 from that point! I guess that's what a big hill at the end of a long run does, but I'd never really had the data before. So, all in all, my first week of doing FIRST properly has been a great success. I am feeling like this marathon is not so far beyond my reach, though I know not every week will be like this one, and I have a long way to go (I can barely imagine myself running 15 miles at the moment, let alone running 26.2!)

The other exciting thing about this run? It was my first ever long before work run and my first pre-5am wake up (other than for races). I guess I really am a triathlete now ;-) I woke up at 4:40, had coffee and some bircher, grabbed some water and set off. I loved it- will definitely consider doing more long weekday runs. Right- off to treat myself to a smoothie, just wanted to post this run before the weekend!