Progression Run Progress

I am feeling happy and inspired today after completing my 16 mile Progression Run. I felt good from the start. Not fast, but strong. This run was so much better than the first Progression Run I did back on January 10 (5 weeks ago) it's not even funny!

For the first attempt, I averaged 10:30 pace for the first 12 miles, then I ran:
9:50
9:30
9:15
8:35

Most importantly, I remembered being sincerely discouraged with how hard the run felt.

In contrast, today, I ran the first 12 miles at 9:56 average pace, and then ran the last 5 miles much faster... I was locked onto MP for the last 3 miles, and I felt totally within myself. Here's today's splits:

1. 10:14
2. 09:41
3. 09:36
4. 10:31 hill
5. 10:13
6. 09:32
7. 10:02
8. 09:44
9. 10:28
10. 8:37 downhill
11. 10:33
12. 09:18 Start Progression
13. 08:56
14. 08:46 MP
15. 08:48 MP
16. 08:48 MP...easy!

So, it seems the Brad Hudson method may be working it's magic after all. The workouts are getting faster, and the pace for the running in between key workouts is also getting faster. Gee, by the time April 25 rolls around, my base pace might just be my Marathon Pace. How awesome is that?

Happy Valentine's Day, all.

I will leave you with this inspirational quote:

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you! ~ Christian D. Larson