I decided to give last week's speed workout (2 x 1200, 2 x800, 4 x 400 with 1 minute of rest per 400m of interval) another shot. This time I didn't have a baby sitter so I took the kids to the track with me. I figured my splits would be a little wonky because I would have half my focus on them the whole time. What I didn't expect was a really stiff headwind on half the track. I would look at my instant pace readout and it would drop 20-30 seconds per mile even when I pushed harder. I ended up with this:

warm up

.75 @ 8:23

.75 @ 8:50

.5 @ 8:28

.5 @ 8:32

.25 @ 7:54 (Got mad and pushed way too hard for this one)

.25 @ 8:30

.25 @ 8:48

.25 @ 8:00

cool down

So was that terrible for running into the wind for half of each lap? Am I being a big baby about the headwind? There's usually enough tree cover on my usual route that I don't get more than a stiff breeze. Running on the track while trying to keep track of two kids and run into the wind was a whole new experience for me. And I'm not sure whether to be proud I did it or flog myself for screwing it up so badly.

We were just having this discussion today since we did our intervals into a headwind as well.  Basically, we all felt like we increased our effort into the headwind, and ended up going too fast.  If we just relaxed and trusted our arms and legs, it seemed like we were holding the pace even though it was a little tougher mentally.  Obviously, there's a point at which the wind is going to make a difference in  your pacing, but I think you can minimize it by not "fighting."

As for your splits, I think you'll see your consistency and sense of pace continue to improve just from experience.  And I'd say be proud of yourself for doing the workout...flogging is just painful.

One of the very reasons I've forced myself to do early morning Saturday track runs.  And I am NOT a morning person!!

There is a definite effect at the track, how much depends on the speed at which you are running.  Obviously mile pace intervals will be much harder in a 10 MPH hour wind than 10k pace.

You can tell the difference sometimes within an interval.  That is, if you are running the first 200 meters of a 400 meter interval into a headwind, the second 200 meters will feel like it takes slightly less effort, or vice versa.  That scenario usually balances itself out, as you get back what you gave.

The point at which you are getting your head kicked in usually is wind wind speed gets into the teens or higher.  I ran in 18 MPH + winds all winter and could really feel the affects in my body long after the workout was over, versus a day with light wind.

As far as today's effort, yes, be proud.  You completed your intervals in relative consistent order.  Any one of us will take that all day every day.

Sounds like you should have done them in the reverse direction