Thursday, November 13, 2008

Center City Philadelphia & 5 miles after the rain



I was around City Hall in Philadelphia today, and guess what I saw?



That's right.. they have the banners hung for the Philadelphia Marathon! That was cool to see today.

When I got home, the rain had finally let up, so it was time to get out and run. I had a 5 miler on tap, and decided to run out and back to Mercer County Park. I felt really good today, and was anxious to get the run in. It's funny, after running so much, at distances over 6 miles, this seemed like a nice short, quick hit. It felt like I was just getting started, and there I was turning around and headed back home. I was surprised, with the weather having just let up, that I actually passed another runner. Boy, we are a dedicated bunch.

Well, with only a few runs left before the marathon, I ran a comfortable pace, much like I have over the past few weeks. It was quicker than I have ran over the last month.

I did the 5 miles in 39:07, which averaged out to a 7:49 min/miles. Again, I am just running how I feel, and for some reason, my times have been dropping. I did push the last mile, doing it in 7:26, my fastest mile split yet. I want to get that feeling, when I know it's the last mile, to try and make it my strongest. Hopefully that will be the case in Philly.

One thing I have changed recently, is in my running gear. I have started to wear compression shorts, under my running shorts. Maybe this has helped with the quicker times. I have worn them the last week or so, to get a feel for them, since I will be using them for the Marathon. I needed to make sure they wouldn't rub in certain areas, and with the tightness I have felt in the hammys, it sure couldn't hurt!

Anyway, another run, over and out.

Only 4 more training runs left! Boy has time flown by!

39:07 (7:49 min/mile)

Mile/Time

1 7:53 min
2 8:03 min
3 7:50 min
4 7:51 min
5 7:26 min

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Sounds like your body is primed for the marathon. I have noticed that your split times have seemed to be getting faster and faster. All good signs.

Denise said...

I'm about to head out for my last 8 mile run. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle next week with so little running! I loved the pics you posted..can't believe it's so close!

ShoreTurtle said...

I agree with eric. Your faster splits are a good sign.

I love the photos of Philly.

Be careful not to overdue it these last few days.

joyRuN said...

I wish I could say I was running faster & had no idea why.

So if faster splits are a good sign, I'm doomed! Good thing the course stays open for 7 hours :)

Glaven Q. Heisenberg said...

You're in the homestretch now, brother, and sittin' pretty, it would seem. Best of luck to you!

Vava said...

You seem totally ready to run fast! What on earth are compression shorts?

FLYERS26 said...

Here ya go Vava.

http://store.nike.com/index.jsp?country=US&cp=USNS_KW_0611081618&lang_locale=en_US#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-174219/pgid-174221

BeachRunner said...

Woo you are totally ready. Just dont blow through your speedy mojo-juice before the race. I say its time to ease back on the throttle and be confident in your prep and training.

sRod said...

Get excited!

Michelle said...

WOOHOO! I am excited for you dude! You seem extremely ready to run an amazing race! Good luck!!

I also have no clue what compression shorts are so i will visit the link you provided.

I am thinking next year to run philly!!! Fingers crossed!!!

Laurel said...

You're getting so damn fast!
I see the "Kick Asphalt" posters on the train every morning. It gets me all excited.

ncrunner12 said...

Just 4 more runs left and man you're more then ready. Your split times are getting faster, your distance has gotten better... keep it up, you are really going to kick ass on that course

SuperDave said...

Yes, times are getting faster. And did the shorts cause chaffing because if they didn't I'm getting some tomorrow. Thx for the link for Vava..I'll use it!

Darrell said...

Enjoy that new found speed on race day.

It is inspiring to see the race banners all over town. I keep forgetting to mention how much I liked the new blog header.

Unknown said...

Boy.. looking at the pictures is giving me the goose bumps already. I cannot believe its coming around the corner. Hope to see you there. I will be sticking with 4:15 or 4:30 pace group so I will be around there.

Good luck as you taper this week. I know I will be doing the same. I will be tapering !!! Time to do some carbo and protein loading up this week.