I’ll be racing RETRO in my 2007 San Jose shirt… I should be easy to spot.
It’s Friday… more importantly, it’s the Friday before a race. That means it is time to lay down the details of how I am approaching this attempt at a 1:3X for Sunday’s Half Marathon. I’m thrilled with any finish that has a 1 and a 3 in the front. The last number could be a 9 or a 2 and I’m doing flips and jazz hands.
To finish at 1:38, I must average 7:30/mile pace for all 13.1 miles… let’s start there.
Miles 1-3:
7:40 pace. For these first few miles, that is likely going to be around 7:30-7:40, but the goal is to try to keep the first few miles comfortable. I’ll need to settle into my pace and avoid a quick start.
Miles 4-8:
7:30 pace. Here I should be settling into a nice average and consistent pace. If I keep this pace, it brings me right in at the 1:3X point.
Miles 9-11:
7:20 pace. This pace is based on how good I am feeling. If I feel great, then I’m going to shift gears and pick up the pace just a bit. If I’m feeling tired or think the last 5 miles are going to be tough, then I’ll stick with the 7:30 pace and aim for 1:38… but you know I want faster.
Miles 12-13.1:
7:00 pace. If I am feeling fantastically-wonderful with a side of great: it’s throw down the hammer time. 2 miles to go, on pace for 1:3X and time to see how low that last number can get.
Of course, from mile 9 on is all going to be by feel. I’m fairly confident that I can hold the 7:30 pace for up until that point and it’s just a matter of if I am feeling really good or close to the wheels falling off. It’s all about listening to your body. If I’m starting to feel fatigue, then it’s sit back on the 7:30 until the last 2 miles. Heck, if I cruise at 7:30 for 11 miles, then increase a bit on the last 2, I’ve got sub-1:38 all day.
What I’ll be listening to:
It wouldn’t be a race without a new playlist. I made one special for this race called “Mission 1:3X” and it’s 24 songs, or 1 hour and 37 minutes… see what I did there?
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ENTIRE PLAYLIST.
I’m actually getting really, really excited about this race. I know the course, I kicked September in the butt and am ready to fly.
TWEET UP AT THE EXPO (details here) on Saturday at noon.
Happy Birthday to my lovely daughter. She has made me know happiness like I never knew was possible.
Also, Friday is The First Lady’s 2nd birthday. I know, right? They DO grow up so fast. Part of the reason that I didn’t race RnRSJ the past couple years is because it falls around her birthday. This year, I got special permission and plan on making sure that I come in fast and give her the biggest, sweaty hug ever.
Alright, time for last-minute tips and mantras.
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Sounds like a solid plan! Just think – the faster you run, the sooner you get to see and celebrate with the first lady! Happy Birthday to your sweet little girl! :)
Go kick some a$$ and I want to see jazz hands! I also race on Sunday and I’m going for a PR of 2:2X or 2:1X. Depends on how Tropical Karen wants to play.
Looking forward to the recap
Go get it! Hope you have a great day out there. And a big happy birthday to the first lady!
Great plan! You will rock this!
awww happy birthday to the cutest first lady around!! :) :)
Happy Birthday to the First Lady! I love the Hall & Oates song on your playlist!
happy bday first lady! she’s your good luck charm
Good luck!! You will do awesome! :)
Love how you are setting goals based on how you feel. You totally have the right approach in my eyes.
The First Lady, my goodness is she ever cute!!!! Does she get a cupcake on top of a sweaty hug too ;)
Oh and, don’t forget to #FUFACE! hehehe
Sounds like an awesome plan! Happy birthday to your daughter :)
Happy Birthday to the First Lady! Time really does go so fast.
Have a great race. Follow your plan and you’ll do great. Here’s to that 1:3X!!!!
Dude, First Lady for the win!!!! You totally got this, and I too shall be looking for the jazz hands.
Run, Pavey, run!!!
Happy Happy Birthday to the First Lady!! Crazy how fast time flies, yes? Have a great race this weekend and have fun!!
Happy Birthday to the First Lady!
Love your race game plan, sounds like you will have an awesome race.
Loving your playlist as well, great variety of songs.
Good luck! I think we would all be in agreement that we would love video of the flip and jazz hands. Just sayin’.
good luck on your race! i have no doubts that you will get the 1:3X time! and a very happy birthday to your lovely & special first lady!!
You’ll rock it! Enjoy!
I fully expect to see a finishers photo with Jazz Hands. As EMZ would say: “You’ve FREAKING GOT THIS”. Kick some a$$phalt my friend!
Good luck this weekend! I won’t be racing but I’ll be there cheering!! (I’m aiming for a similar goal at Big Sur in November so I’ll be super rooting for you!!!)
GOOD LUCK! I know you will!
Happy Birthday to the First Lady!!! Have a great race, too.