Notes
This was one of my better runs so far. I successfully "eased into" this run, starting out super slow (HR ~ 145) and the pace kind of naturally eased up at the same intensity. By mile 1, I was running about 8:45 pace at 145-150, which is so far unheard of for me. It was much easier to stay under 165, up until the last two miles, where I was up against the ceiling. I'm feeling very enthusiastic after today, like I'm finally starting to get some progress.
My legs felt very good. The only issue I had was the posterior shin pain in my right leg, which got less intense as the run worse on. Hopefully the leg pain starts to dissipate more, because honestly that is the only limiting factor at this intensity. If not for the shin/ankle pain, I could have turned around and done this run again.