My biggest running slump since 1999 hit mid-May and finally ended today at the Continental Airlines Fifth Avenue Mile.
For longer races, I usually have a race strategy. I know what kind of pace to average. I know how to start, how to finish and how to navigate the crowd.
Today, I had no idea what to expect. I haven’t ran a mile for time in years (which I guess is a confession to not really doing speed work).
The Husband, who ran a 4:35 mile in college gave me this race strategy.
- 1st 400 meters: Run at 85% effort
- 2nd 400 meters: Back off to 75-80% effort (catch your breath for a second)
- 3rd 400 meters: Haul Ass
- Final 400 meters: Push through the pain
My reality:
- 1st 400 meters: Umm, I’m too far back in the pack… oh, wait there’s the first 1/4 mile marker… and I can see the lead truck
- 2nd 400 meters: Catch that girl in the pink, oh and that one in the grey shirt too.
- 3rd 400 meters: RUNNNN FASSSTERR!!!!
- Final 400 meters: CRANK IT!!! But, wait what does that clock say and why didn’t that girl I just pass turn on the heat?
Finish Time: 6:06
I have no idea how that happened.
WTG !!! I ran this in HS.. it was called the Mercedes Mile then.. and for HS athletes it was an invitation only.. ran it my jr and sr year.. great time!
Wow, you killed me! Great job, I think I should have thought about strategy! Congrats on breaking the slump, although the high heelathon totes counts!
WOW!!!!
You are so speedy!!!!!!
Go speed racer! You have been rocking some really fun runs lately. Goodbye, slump!
WAY TO GO! That’s pretty awesome…and yes, the “catch up to so-and-so” is the best game to play when in a race. 😉
You did so good!!!! Great work Jess!
wowzers …love it
Awesome time! Now I am wondering how fast I could run the mile.
love that strategy! I highly doubt I could run a mile that fast – amazing! This morning on my training run I played the “catch the girl in the white shirt” game and it totally kept me going;)
Hey there speedy! That’s awesome!
Nice work!! I think the fastest mile I have ever run was maybe 7 minutes and 35 seconds. Not too shabby, for ME! But wow, 6 mins, very impressive.
I tried commenting on yesterday’s post and it wouldn’t let me for some reason. I thought it was so neat that you did the high-heal-athon!!! Just thought I’d say that 🙂 You are just a racing fool!! In a good way 🙂
Way to go!!! It sounds like this race was a good learning experience…strategy + execution gets better and better with practice and experience, right?
OK that sounds intense. I agree with haul ass!! GOOD FOR YOU! SICK time.
WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not sure I want to try BUT it seems like a challenge I should attempt.. maybe! 😉
awesome work on the 6:07! smokin fast and YES your running slump better be over! sorry I didn’t get a chance to say hi after the race, I was a confused mess for a hot second.
Wow you are a speed demon! I am so proud of you!!!!! =)