May 27th, 2009 – Half Marathon Training Easy Run

The miles increase for the first time and it seems rather sudden to me.  6 miles isn’t that long, in theory, but I cannot seem to get my legs to stop the dull ache and the pace seems to really be a grind.  Still, I got to the gym, did my stretching and started the run.

I’ve still not really reconciled the mental need to warm up and cool down.  I compromised and added only a half mile total.  Maybe it is partly to blame, I can’t say.  I wish I had a better handle on this whole thing.  Maybe I am in over my head.

Housekeeping:  6.5 miles in 57:37 for an average pace of 8:51 per mile.  Given my target is 8:46 and I’m most assuredly much slower than that during cool down, I’m very happy with the results.  687 calories burned.  Up a bit from the prior easy runs, but then again it is an extra mile.  Still only creeping into zone 3 and never really getting above the middle of my zone 3 range (157 to 173 beats per minute.)  I honestly believe this is a pace I could finish the race running.  I just have to convince myself of the mental side.

At least I’m pain free other than the dull aches.  I’ve done strength training again today, and that does include some core work.  I’m not doing as many exercises as I should for my core, but I’m doing more than nothing.  The strength training adds another 296 calories to the total consumption.  Not quite 1000 per workout, but not far from it.  I have no doubt that when I get into 8 miles or faster paces I’ll regularly cook 1000 calories per workout and then it will be time to figure out what my new calorie intake will be.

Cheers!