Week 22: Seven miles

30:45 sec run/walk ratio
1:58 hours
7.38 miles
16.0 min/mile

Good run today!

I ended up using a different run/walk ratio—I'd bumped it up for my midweek run Thursday, and of course forgot to change it back. I only noticed when I started my first run interval today. Since I was already out there, I just let it go. I actually think it feels better to run a little longer. With the 20 sec run interval, sometimes I feel like I'm just hitting my stride when it's time to start walking. It felt good to use the 30:45 sec ratio for the whole run, and I never got tired of running that long. I wish I'd started it sooner—at this point, it might be too late to switch for the marathon. I've only got 26-mile run to do, then three more 6 – 7 mile runs. I guess I could try it next week on the 26-mile run and see how it goes.

The weather was great today, in the low-to-mid 60s all morning. I didn't get started until a little after 9 AM, even wore my capri leggings instead of shorts because it was still cold when I headed out. So nice to run without getting beaten down by the hot sun!

I got my new running pouch from Amphipod, and I really like it. It turned out to be smaller than I'd imagined, even though I checked the measurements. I was afraid it might be bulky and in the way on my belt, but it isn't. It's barely wider than the belt, and fits nice and snug against my waist. I also worried, once I saw it, that it would be too small to be useful, but it's great! It has a separate compartment for ID, which fit my driver's license just right and kept it secure and safe from accidentally being pulled out with other stuff. Also has a tiny key compartment, which would be fine for one or two keys on a small ring, but didn't really fit my truck remote, so I put my keys in the lower pocket of the main pouch, with my handkerchief and lip balm. I only put one GU in my new pouch today, since it was a short run, but it's stretchy and I'm sure I'll be able to shove 6 or 7 GUs or gummy packs in there for the marathon, and they'll be easily reachable and convenient. So, plenty of room for everything now!

Good time today. I don't know if it's because of the cool weather, late start, longer run interval, or some combination or all of the above, but it was good to be able to finish a run with a good pace and still feeling strong.