Monday, April 16, 2007

I So Want a Garmin

I finally got my long run in... and I'm feeling more prepared for the half-marathon in 2 weeks. As I was underway, I planned a route that I estimated to be somewhere between 13 and 14 miles. My assumption was that it was closer to 13 and I was feeling confidant about my pace.

I ran along the D.River Trail to the new BH bridge, where upon I continued for an additional 2.43 miles around the old mill district (this part of the route has been measured and there are signs along the trail that state the exact mileage). I run the trail portion frequently (generally every Thr) and I know that it is about 5.92-6.0 miles. To connect the two portions, I'm guessing I have to run at least another .5 miles.

When I get to the half-way point (again, I'm guessing where that point may be), I hit the split button on my watch, 41:17. When I get back home again, I hit the split button again, 41:56. At this point, I'm guessing I have covered about 9 miles at an approx. 9.11 pace.

I then add on another short loop (one I do rather regularly) that I know is 4 miles. I've even marked this route in mile increments, and therefore know that I ran the first mile of this loop in 8:00 flat! Cool. I start to wonder if I can maintain this pace for the next (and final) three. I try... but start to feel sluggish my the 3rd mile.

When I get home, my split for the last 4 miles was 35:42. An average pace of 8.55. A negetive split! 13 miles in 1:58:57. Sweet!

I'm feeling quite spent... I know I pushed myself and I'm feeling very fatigued. All I want to do is lay down and take a nap, but that isn't possible as DH (who also spent 3 hours working out on the slopes earlier this morning) also wants to nap and it is my turn to watch the kiddos. Too bad, the kiddos don't nap much themselves anymore. It would've been nice to all lie down together for some zzzzzz's.

So, instead... I log on and check the route (once again - I check everytime I run - even if it is the same course I've ran in the past - I'm nerotic that way) on America's Running Routes. It reports the route measures 12.6 miles. Huh!? That stinks. So now my pace for the first 2/3 turns out to be 9.37. Still a negative split but not as good overall. I wish I had had a Garmin tell me this on route. I could've run a tad more...pushed a tad harder.

7 comments:

  1. That's one of the biggest advantages I've found with my Garmin. I can run on the nice soft soccer fields without ever having to worry about checking mileage. My kids fields are actually 5K in length with one small zig zag...

    Nice pace! You are so ready to PR that half mary coming up!! I'm excited for you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great run. Negative splits are very satisfying aren't they?

    I finally got a Garmin a few weeks ago. So far, it's been worth every penny. You won't regret it. If you amortize it over two or three years (and hundreds of runs) that cost isn't so bad. BTW, there is a $50 rebate right now (I'm not sure if it's available in your jurisdiction but check it out).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great time - under 2 hours. I've never been very good at negative splits. I always start way to fast. Maybe the thought of the 13 miles ahead will slow me down...
    I hope to cross the finish line around the 2 hr mark. SEE YOU THERE!
    PS. I'm not in your age group. lol

    ReplyDelete
  4. Makita (and possibly Joe) it sounds like you did a lot of research on the topic of personal wrist training devices. Can you share your thoughts/recommend/point to your "dream device" for the rest of us who haven't done the work yet? Thanks, Kong

    ReplyDelete
  5. My 'dream device' is the Garmin Forerunner 305 Wrist-Mounted GPS Navigator and Heart Rate Monitor. Right now, it is available on Amazon for about $200 (with rebate). Until recently, it was over $350... so I'm hoping DH sees this before my birthday!! :)

    If you already have a heart rate monitor, than the 205 would be the better buy at $148 (with rebate).

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'd recommend the 305- it has everything. I have the 105 and a separate heart rate monitor I just bought, so I have stuff on both wrists. It would have been better to buy the 305 initially.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm with Jeff. All-in-one is nice.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.