Week 5: Six and a half miles

1:46 hours, 30:60 second run/walk ratio

I actually did about six and three quarter miles, because I ended up doing the short lower loop at Meadowbrook Park for my "half mile," which I'd figured out from previous runs in the park was about three quarters of a mile. But I stopped my watch after eight and a half minutes or so, about where I thought a half mile was, and walked the rest of the way back. So my time and distance are approximate, but close enough.

I had a good run, despite being kind of tired. It was hard getting up at 6 am. I'd gone to bed at 10 pm, but wasn't really sleepy and didn't get to sleep until after 11. So I was a bit short on sleep. But I felt pretty good and finished without getting too tired, averaging just over 16 minute miles. (My time at 6 miles was 1:37.)

My shoulders and neck were a bit sore while I was running, which means I was leaning forward while I ran, trying to push myself ahead. I need to pay more attention to my posture and stay upright while I run.

I ate a Cliff Blok at 4 miles. Pretty good, kind of a gummy cube. It was probably a bit dried out from sitting in my cupboard for over a year—it was from a sample packet I picked up at my last half marathon. I will try them again on my next long run.

There was a light breeze, which kept the heat from being too overpowering. I finished by 9:30 am, so it wasn't too hot. But I hope the weather starts to cool down before my runs get much longer. I'm not going to be able to get up any earlier.

Five weeks into my training, and still going strong! Guess I could go ahead and register for the Las Vegas Half Marathon now.