Snail? Slug? Turtle?

I have been bothered lately by my running speed. Or clear lack thereof. I am slower than ever, it seems. These past two weeks I ran my 4 mile loop in times (in order) of 39:50; 38:55; 38:22; and 38:37. Ugh. I have been diligently trying to get under 38:xx. I have a short segment that I run as a warm up, then after that, pick up my pace. I barter with myself the entire run.

“If I get to here, I can slow down.”

“Still feeling good, so instead I’ll go to here.”

“It’s downhill for a while now so I’ll go to here.”

“I’m almost home. I might as well finish at this pace.”

This morning was beautiful. Mid-60s for temps, dry air. I did not run yesterday, so was feeling rested. I so wanted to beat my 38:22 time. The problem is, usually when I really want to beat a time I end up doing just the opposite – finishing slower.

Not today. Today I ran a screamin’ (for me) 37:22. Or 9:21/mile pace.

I know, still slow, but for me, for this summer, that’s doggone good. All the training for the half-marathons has really slowed me down (I know, that’s because I don’t do any speed work). And now, with autumn on the way, and at least one 5K on the horizon, I want to work on picking up my pace.

Did I mention I’ll be thankful when this half-marathon is over? Three more training runs. Sweet!