8 mile half marathon long training run? Check! 🙂
Plus, look who’s FINALLY back!
Yay 🙂
Matt and I met my friends Jillian, Elle, and Lauren at 9 a.m. this morning at the beautiful American Tobacco Trail for a nice long run.
We had 8 miles on the docket as per our half marathon training plan! Since we did an out-and-back run on a trail, Matt was able to come along too, run the first 2.5 miles with us, and then turn back early for a 5 mile run. Perfect!
We had a fantastic run — 8 miles in 1:08:42 for an average pace of 8:35!
Splits:
- Mile 1: 8:22
- Mile 2: 8:49
- Mile 3: 8:37
- Mile 4: 8:52
- Mile 5: 8:29
- Mile 6: 8:49
- Mile 7: 8:15 (!)
- Mile 8: 8:26
Hooray! As always — we ended with a sprint 🙂
I’m excited because we’re definitely getting faster — I think our weekly speed workouts are starting to pay off already! Our first half marathon long training run was 6 miles at an 8:55 pace, our second long run was 7 miles at an 8:53 pace, and this week was 8 miles at 8:35! Obviously the fact that this run was for the most part flat and the others were hilly is a huge factor, but we’re also all just starting to feel stronger, too. I’m excited 🙂
And speaking of speed workouts and running — check out this awesome post on speed work and becoming a better runner by one of my loyal blog readers, Gavi! Those of you that are just getting into running will find her story particularly inspiring — she went from being overweight, struggling to run 11 minute miles, and being too nervous to run with others, to finishing a half marathon in 1:51 (an average pace of 8:30/mile!). Pretty amazing, really. Just goes to show how far determination and a little self-confidence will get you!
Anyway! After our run, we headed to brunch. Today’s location: Guglhupf Bakery!
I’ve been here before and love this place, so I was happy to go back with everyone 🙂 I had the frittata of the day (with mushrooms, cheese, and leeks), which came with a couple slices of freshly baked baguette and some fruit!
Deeeeeeeelish.
Plus — a side of bacon, which I shared with Matt — that’s his “I love bacon” face, lol. 😉
Because as we all know… I “Will Run for Bacon” 🙂
Matt and I are off to enjoy the beautiful 60 degree and sunny weather that NC is lucky enough to have today. Have a great Saturday!
