17 and counting

I took all of the great advice that I got from my last post and applied it to my long run this past Sunday.

"Don't do all of your "racing" during training, so to speak. Save it for race day, and use the long run for its purpose--to prepare your body and mind for 20+ miles." - Katie M.

"keep the long runs slower until the last 5 or 6 miles then run at marathon pace. That way you teach your body to run a little faster while fatigued." - Fast Cory

My goal= run 17 miles at 10 min mile pace.

17 long, slow miles

Average pace 10:04

Time 2:50:59

1	Interval	1 mi			10:03
2	Interval	1 mi			9:57
3	Interval	1 mi			9:39
4	Interval	1 mi			9:44
5	Interval	1 mi			10:35
6	Interval	1 mi			10:42
7	Interval	1 mi			10:16
8	Interval	1 mi			10:17
9	Interval	1 mi			10:10
10	Interval	1 mi			10:12
11	Interval	1 mi			10:08
12	Interval	1 mi			10:02
13	Interval	1 mi			10:23
14	Interval	1 mi			10:19
15	Interval	1 mi			10:17
16	Interval	1 mi			9:19
17	Interval	1 mi			9:01
18	TIME	—		2:50:59.36	—

I  had to make myself slow down and (I never imagined that would be a problem) Really though, it wasn't as easy as it sounds.  I think my bodies natural easy pace is around 9:15-9:30miles. Some were clearly too slow. I felt like I was constantly looking at my garmin to make sure I wasn't off pace. 

I felt pretty great, like I could run forever at that pace.  Towards the end I picked it up for two reasons, 1. I felt great and wanted to push it. and 2. It was past time to get ready for church and my whole family was still sleeping. 

I have to say, I felt better during and after that long run than I ever have.
Could have been the pace? Could have been my diet the week before was pretty clean? Could have been that I was properly hydrated? Could have been the Ultra Fuel by Twin Labs(ultra fuel giveaway coming soon!!)
What ever it is....I liked it. 

So, moral of the story.....Run slow, to run fast? I don't know.  
I guess I'll find out in Savannah. 

Thanks again for the great tips!

Grace and peace,