Notes
Woke up this morning and had back problems. I wasn't sure I was going to even be able to run the race (which I had initially planned to use as a workout anyway), so I started warming up to see if I'd be able to do it. Hurt a little while warming up, but I pushed through it anyway. Put on my flats and did some more warm up and strides and it seemed to be better. Once the race started, I forgot all about it.
First mile in 5;20 and maintained a pretty even pace throughout. The hill at the end slowed me some, so I was pleased when I realized just how even it was. Still don't know how to "race" because I felt too good at the end--no keeling over and puking or desire to collapse after crossing the line, but that will come with time. It was just a workout anyway, right?
Overall, I felt good, and I think I could have kept that pace for another 5K and maybe more. Do I need to work on leg speed? Maybe. But is it really that essential in a marathon?