What a difference a month makes! (aka; think I'm finding my grove)

I have a 10.46 mile route in my neighborhood. Pretty hilly with some steep climbs. I mapped it out to use as a training route for my first Half in August. I want to figure out when to slurp a gel, when to take a "water break", when to add in a minute of walking, etc.

I have only run it three times, before today. Last time was May 15th - here are those stats
Time 2:03.19
Pace 11:46
mph 5:09

For the past month, I've been focusing on form, cross training, my 5K pace, and tossed in an 8K race and some 8 mile runs as my "long runs".

So.... today's stats for my 10.46 mile run:
Time 1:49.05
Pace 10:25
mph 5.75

Shaving off 20 minutes amazed me!  I used a power gel at miles 3, 5, 7.5. Consumed about 15 oz. of  Power Aid Zero.   I had to check my chronometer to make sure it was working right!

I don't think I will push increasing distance too much over the next month. Maybe push to 12 miles a couple weeks before the Half (Aug. 7th).

Anyway, just wanted to share!

That's a great pace for your run and of course during your race you should be able to run a bit quicker with the other runners, adrenalyn, etc. Fantastic and again you don't need to focus on distance. 10 miles for a 1/2 is plenty. You are spot on to focus on form and cross training, that is where your gains are. Doing the same myself and just in 2 weeks had lowered my HR at Ultramarathon pace by 10bpm. Great job and you are on your way!

Jeff

Thanks for the tips Jeff. ALSO ....  I posted a couple months ago about my itchy legs, and took your advice. I cut back on my 2500 mg. of B-12 (sublinqual). Instead of every day, I take three times per week. No more itching, and my energy level is good.  My labs have never shown a decrease/depletion in B's, so figure I'm all good there!

Thanks again...BIG DIFFERENCE AND BIG RELIEF!!

Kathy

 Kathy that is a great PACE!  I am gonna have to train harder because I don't want you to catch me ;)  

You keep on training Andrew! I'm a "boy chaser" from way back ;o)

Kathy,
I am so impressed! I was supposed to do 8 miles this week but did not do it yesterday. I am pooped right now from 3 hours of Zumba so may wait until Monday morning to do my 8. I think I will just do 3 or 4 with hubby in the morning. I have to get on it if I want to do that half in August; keep posting it keeps me motivated!
Mary

Kathy, that is kick butt!!

Congrats on shaving time off your run, that's awesome!!

Thanks everyone! It really felt good, and EVEN BETTER, I was hardly sore or stiff later in the day, and not at all the next day! 

Appreciate the words of encouragement!

Hugs,
Kathy