Notes
Chilly but pleasant morning for a hard effort. About 85-90 percent effort on this run. Today was the first day when I actually felt "taper good." Good opener upper. Good chance to actually have to push myself - something I haven't done in a workout in over a week. In my mind I couldn't help but have last years tempo effort in mind but I know I can't compare the two. First off, I ran a shortened course last year compared to this year. Secondly, I know that my anaerobic isn't where it was last year, but I believe that my endurance is better (we'll see a week from now). Thirdly, today was much windier than last year. I was feeling a strong/cold wind into my face for almost the first three miles. Still, today was a really solid effort. A comfortably hard 29min 5mi is quite good for being on your own. I am fairly certain that my "Week before 5mi tempo" the year I PR'd in Chicago was only barely under 30min, and that was on the track.
So, all in all, happy with today. Got exactly what I needed out of it. Looking forward to next week.