PR for 10 miles today. I feel so happy.

muddyventures

10 days ago I post about running my first 10 miles in 2 hours (1:58:52) (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/588222-10-miles-in-2-hours-my-goal-is-13-1-in-2-hours-what-next) and about my desire to finish a half marathon in 2 hours. I have until the end of the year before I'm entering one, but may try one mid summer if I think I can make my goal. I'm stubbornly set on making it or being as close to my goal as possible. I have been coughing with gunk (sorry TMI) since I ran the first 10 miles but have felt better in the last three days.

I have been running most of my runs with hills, and have been eating more ( which now I'm not loosing, but I'm not gaining either) I felt really good through the run until the 9 mile mark and I could feel myself getting shaky and dizzy. I only took on gel pack with me and took that at 6 miles. I think I will have to increase that because I could see a difference after having that but definitely fizzed out near the 9 mile mark. My pace was more consistent outside weather was near the same as the first 10 mile run.

My question this time around is (and honest answers are what I really want, no fluff). If I improved this much in 10 days does that mean I'm not pushing myself to my limit and or do you really make these kinds of improvements in 10 days, or is this really not that much of an improvement? (crazy line of questioning I know, but mind you I'm low on energy at this very minute

Thanks to all those that advised last time, I do take in the comments and really (realy, really) want to make the 2 hours.

anilyze

Congrats!


Confidence plays a huge role. You know this time around that you can do it. That can make a difference in how hard it feels like you can push.

Check out Fitzgerald's book
http://www.amazon.com/RUN-Mind-Body-Method-Running-Feel/dp/1934030570

muddyventures

Thanks, I will check that out. I should have added that I did take the advice and looked up local running groups and will be venturing in that direction as soon as school lets out.

A few hours later, and I just feel so high right now, I'm down right emotional about this milestone.

meerkat70

That's brilliant. Very well done!

arc918

Congrats on your progress!

Right now you are running ~ 11:50 miles. To break 2 hours in the half, you need to be down ~ 9:07 per mile.

Keep adding miles and building your endurance.

Have you raced a 5K lately? That would give you a handle on your current footspeed.

Your 5K needs to get down ~ 25:00 and your 10 mile needs get under 1:30.

Good luck!

Elizabeth_C34

Congrats! That's good stuff!

muddyventures

I have done my own 5k runs, but need to register for an official race (I am barely under 30 minutes for a 5 k). After my first post about my 10 miler, I have shifted focus to my shorter runs, and am not running 6days a week now (that is hard for me to accept), but if I continue to improve by gathering advice then I'm apt to stick with it. I am looking at doing a 5k fun run in June that is local, and I think it will be fun and a good place to see how that goes, and then looking at a 10 k for September maybe. (I'm doing the dirty dash in August so we will see)

CarsonRuns

Just keep running and you will get there. Gradually build your mileage and don't worry about how fast or slow you are running. That's what race day is for. You can't force yourself to a specific pace. You have to let the body adapt on its own. It's a delicate balance of giving the body just as much work as it can handle without giving it too much. It's always better to err on the side of caution (slower pace, slower build up of miles) and remain injury free than it is to push it over the edge and lose time being hurt.

I think you have a realistic chance of getting there if you stay consistent and build your mileage. Just don't try to PR every time you lace up your shoes. At the end of those long runs, you should feel like you could have gone another mile. If you don't feel that way, that you may want to back off on the pace a little bit the next time.

Keep it up. You're on the way.

arc918

Might I suggest: forget about the arbitrary time goal. Just train, run and race and have fun!

Once you build you base and get some race under your belt you can work on getting faster and faster.

Whether your first half takes 2:40, 2:18 or 1:59 who cares?

muddyventures

I think the idea of reaching the 2 hour time goal has really been a goal of mine, and I am working hard. I agree with stepping back and just enjoying it. I am currently reading Hal Higdon's "Marathon, The Ultimate Training Guide", and am really enjoying his insight. The history behind the distance, and the stories are really making me think more about how a marathon is a journey and how there is more to pursuing and improving. So although I don't think I will completely rid myself of the two hour goal, I have taken a different look at training. I am already implementing less running days, I am going to work harder on my short runs and spend time ejoying and expanding my long runs.

I also just finished the Runner's World Complete Guide to Women's Running, and plan to imprelement the stretching routines and work on really taking care of my body so that it will enjoy running longer.

All the words of wisdom I am taking to heart, and are appreciate. Thank you.