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Friday, August 31, 2012

So long 14 minute miles...

Last night I ran in the NYRR's NFL Back to Football Run. This race was number six on my road to the 2013 ING New York City Marathon. 

photo: New York Road Runner's Website
I was anxious about this race.  While I try to focus on finishing, setting a good pace means alot to me as well. When I started running back in October (more like walking with a hint of a run), my pace was around 17/18 minutes per mile. A sistah was struggling, but vowed to be consistent.

In my most recent races, my pace improved to 14-15 minutes per mile. It was okay, but deep down I wanted to break 14 minutes. I planned to achieve this by working on my speed. The goal was to stay below 13 minutes during my weekly runs. It was very uncomfortable and challenging. However, I pushed through it.

So, back to last night...

As soon as I got home I checked the race results. I set a new personal best. My pace was 12:56. YES! I felt all sorts of good.

How does this race compare to my other 4 milers? Well, let's see:

NYRR Gridiron Classic (4M)
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Time - 54m 27s

NYRR Al Gordon Classic (4M)
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Time - 56m 11s

NYRR NFL Back to Football Run (4M)
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Time - 51m 41s

On next Sunday, I plan to run the Bronx 10 Miler. This will be my longest race since the More/Fitness Half-Marathon. Earlier this week, NYRR posted this on their website:

"In the interest of safety, any participant who is unable to maintain a 14:00-per-mile pace throughout the race (2:20 projected finishing time) will be picked up along the course, starting at approximately mile 6, and transported to the finish."

Now, I'm not gonna lie -- running 10+ miles intimidates the hell out of me. However, the thought of being transported to the finish...smh.

Consistency and goal-setting helped me achieve my Back to NFL run , and I pray the same goes for next week. Otherwise be prepared to see photos of a 'Transported Lizzie' finish. lol.

Have you achieved a race pace goal? I'd love to hear all about it.

Until then, take care and have a Happy Labor Day Weekend!

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