Sunday, April 8 - Long Run Done

Weekly Mileage: 47

Workout
12 mile run

Breakdown
Switched the off day to Saturday and got the long run in today. 12 miles is the longest run I have done since 2006, when I was in much better shape and could knock out a 20 miler. I finished in just a shade under 1:28 which is about 7:20 average pace per mile. That's not real indicative of the effort though, because the last six miles were all between 6:40-7:05.

I felt alright. I was tired out of the gates and didn't feel real great through four or five miles, but my legs came to me and I finished strong.

I ran on the bike path out at Moraine, which is paved the entire way and features some rolling hills and a lot of twists and turns. Not an easy/flat run, but much less challenging that trying to get 12 miles in around town.

Shoes
Nike Lunarfly 3

Outlook
Based on how I felt I am hopeful that I will be running a pretty good half marathon four weeks from today. The biggest key on race day is going to be the first three miles. My entry time is fast enough that I should be in a front corral and shouldn't have to deal with too many people (25,000 on the start line) so the next challenge will be making sure not to go out too fast. If I can get out in 7:05-7:15 that would be ideal. I'm hoping to hover in the 7 range for about 7 miles and then finish as strong as possible. Even if I'm not feeling great on race day, I should be able to run 7:20 just like today which would put me under 1:35 for a finish time, which would have been inside the top-200 finishers last year. I'd take that.

Donations
We're up over $1,300 in donations for the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which blows me away. I am really hoping we can get over the $1,500 mark before race day. That would be incredible. If you would like to donate a few dollars, the online donation site is secure and receipts are provided: http://www.active.com/donate/mariolemieuxfdn/jonholtz

Coming Up
Mom and Tiff are visiting tonight for a few days this week, so it will be really nice to see them and have them in town. Going to try to go into the office in the mornings and get as much work done as possible so I can spend some time with them in the afternoons. Toughest running week of the year this week too... going over 50 miles for the first time since 2006. Feeling strong.