Tempo Run: Round One

This morning was my first attempt at a tempo run.  One of my goals for 2011 was to work on my speed, because I have none.  I am and have always been more kin to the tortoise than the hare.

My plan was to do a 1 mile warm up, 2 miles at 10:30 pace, 1 mile cool down.  I set my pace at 10:30 because I knew I was going to be pushing two boys.  If I was running with out the boys I would have set it to 9:35 or so.  The extra weight of the stroller, two boys and navigating a double stroller makes me just a bit slower. 

After taking Thing 1 to school we set off.  First mile was good.  I really had to keep on top of my pace. (Thanks Coach Garmin!)   I have a tendency to start waaaay too fast and then die at the end.  I did have to stop a few time to make a adjustments for the boys (i.e. pacifier, fix blankets that were falling out of the stroller, "I'm cold Mommy," etc.)

Mile 2 started off great.  I was going up hill and into the wind, but my pace was under 10 minute miles.  Then as I prepared to turn a corner I got blasted in the face with dirt and leaves.  Thanks to the lawn guys who were blowing leaves in the direction I was running.  (Leaf blower 1, Me 0.)  I had dirt in my mouth and eyes, so I had to stop. However, I forgot to stop my watch.  Oh well.

After about a minute  (I checked my Garmin when I got home) I continued on my way, pushing myself and my sail (jogging stroller) up still more hills.  I'm sure anyone watching me thought I was going to pass out at any second.  I'm sure I looked a mess. 

When I got to mile 3 I was glad to be done, I had definitely pushed myself, while pushing the stroller.  (At least it wasn't the triple.)  I really enjoyed my cool down mile, that I happened to complete in 11 minutes.  Considering that is faster than my normal pace I must have felt good, the slight downhill might have helped too.  Leave it to me to get the downhill when all the really hard work is over.

My overall pace was 11:05 with a minute of being stopped.  Hopefully, next time there will not be any lawn guys wielding leaf blowers to slow me down.

This run just proved to me that I am capable of pushing myself even more.  I can push and hold my pace more than I think I can, I just need to be confident in myself.  I just have to do it!