So, I'm kind of on the struggle bus. I've been working with a run coach to try and do a "fast" (for me) 10k.
Last year I ran that crazy uphill half marathon, and pulled a 1:01:38 flat 10k shortly thereafter. This year, don't have it in me to do that uphill half. So I'm working on speed, trying to get back the speed I had before my injury last year.
It's hard yo.
First, I've been lifting and eating ice cream, so I've gained about 8 lbs. That doesn't help.
Second, I was on vacation in Denmark for 2 weeks and I caught a cold and I dealt with a lot of jet lag.
I ran 6x in the 2 weeks on vacation (yay me!), and it was beautiful, but it was a little humid and a bit of a struggle.
Since I've been back, still struggling. Today, did speed work and coach suggested that I run my "10k pace" splits at 9:00/mile, which means the 5k splits faster. It was a STRUGGLE to hit 9:00 on my 10k splits (today: 600m), and I only managed faster than that for my 5k splits once out of the 4.
It means I'm unlikely to reach my goal of a sub-1:00 10k in mid-Sept. After that, a choice: KEEP TRYING, or take a break. It's hard for me to:
1. Concentrate on a goal for more than 8 weeks
2. Run without people. I do much better with groups than I do by myself.
Sigh.
On a plus note, a very old friend from my Navy days (circa the 1990s) moved into town and is looking for a running buddy. When she's back into running, she'll prob be faster than me, but I'm looking forward to some company in the meantime. Plus, we are 50-ish, it's okay to slow down.