Quote Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama View Post
My longest run before my half marathon this weekend has been slightly over 12 miles. Last weekend I found the hilliest course I could and I felt amazing after 8 hilly miles. I am completely relaxed and excited about the run, I really think my training has been great. The bluebonnets are popping and the course should be gorgeous with wildflowers and central Texas' lost pines.

I have been running slow so I am conflicted on the pace group to get in. When I am hydrated and rested I think 10-10:30 is spot on (way down from my 8:30 days) but I don't want to push too hard. I haven't done much training at high intensity for long runs, we were told to keep the long runs at an easier pace. Actually I have never even used a pacer, so I am confused about how I will like that anyway.

I am craving fried food like a mad woman, I have been avoiding. I am not a chocolate girl, but fried food is my vice. 1 day and 20 hours to go!!
I ran with a pacer this last marathon and I liked it more than I expected. It gave me something to hang on to as I ran. That said, I preferred to walk aid stations and the pace group did not, so I had to catch up after the aid station if I wanted to stick with it (or get slightly ahead and let the pace group catch me). They also ran a pretty consistent pace up and down hills, while I preferred to go faster downhill and slower uphill. So, I'd say to stick with it for a little while if you want to try it, but do not be afraid to let them go - it doesn't mean you won't hit your target time range, it just means you might hit it differently. It's not like there's a 10:13 pace group, OR you might hit your stride later in the race and catch back up/pass them.

I missed my run on Wednesday due to travel, so I did both a bike and a run today. The bike was 6x60s intervals, and the run was 8x60s 8% hill repeats, so my glutes are crying a little bit. I did not run as fast as I usually do, but with the time change and eating on a weird schedule (not to mention the stupid treadmill) I just did whatever felt right. Surprisingly I didn't have heavy legs after biking, I just felt under-fueled. Good, because my brick workouts start soon!

Good luck this weekend to both of you racing! Looking forward to your reports.