Notes
I wanted to try to get 1 decent workout before racing a 10k. Right now I'm regretting signing up for it but maybe it will go well or at least kickstart my butt into doing real training (other than long runs, I wouldn't say my training has been too impressive). Plus, I think my hamstring is getting better, so I should be able to handle some speed, let's just hope another race doesn't ruin it again.
I had an elaborate plan for staying out of the wind for this run, but some dark clouds had passed right as I started the run and the wind wasn't howling anymore (luckily I picked this day to run in Ankeny so I started the run later than usual). The workout was the classic 2-4-1-4-2 minutes at 5k-10k-3k-10k-5k. I don't know if I have done this workout with a GPS watch before, so that forced me to actually attempt certain paces.
After a 2 mile warmup and some dynamic stretching, I still wasn't feeling quick-of-feet. It didn't help that I started on a slight uphill either. The 1st 5k piece was definitely a struggle, and I was breathing heavily for most of it. I did manage close to 5min pace though. The 10k piece felt much, much better. It took me some time to find my stride, but ended up feeling more relaxed and held about 5:20 pace. 3k felt quick but fun, got my heart racing again. 10k was pretty good again, and the 5k felt much better than the 1st piece.
Good workout, I'll at least have some confidence racing this weekend. Of course, snow is in the forecast race morning, so who knows what conditions await.