Ran 12.5 miles @ 8:06 mile pace, including 5.0 miles @ 6:53/mile pace.
Paved road (bridge).
Very flat, sans one hump in the bridge.
Weather: Upper 70s, partly cloudy, very humid.
Yesterday morning's run in Maine, 23 degrees. Today's run in Tampa, 78 degrees and very humid. The difference was quite a shock! The run took place at the Gandy Bridge which traverses the bay and connects Tampa and St. Petersburg. There's a separate bridge for runners, roller bladers, walkers, whatever... so long as it doesn't have a motor, therefore it's a nice place to run.
I ran across and back the first time with my brother at a 9-something mile pace. The heat felt immense, and I developed side stitches after just two miles. During that time, I also became drenched in sweat.
Once we returned, I did another out and back on the bridge alone while my brother had enough and opted to wait. I shot for marathon pace (7:10), but went too fast. However, I was able to hold the pace and hit my splits at 6:49, 6:51, 6:57, 6:51, and 6:55. With not being properly acclimated to the heat, it was pretty tough. I did a couple more miles as a cool down and called it a day. Good run. Tomorrow should bring my weekly total up to 80+ miles. I'm going to start incorporating more MP runs next week. It might mean a little less mileage for the weekly totals, but hopefully not too much. Next week will give me a better idea.
6 comments:
Be careful down there with all the concrete running and traffic. Your trails softened legs will taking a real hurting if you punish them too much on the Gandy Bridge.
Several options, if you don't know already, are Bayshore Drive (on the grass path is my favorite), there is a park out by the Tampa Stadium (forgot the name) and then down by the beach area in St. Pete.
Ah, you know Tampa well. I know both of those areas. Used to run Bayshore when I lived here and my dad ran a 12-hour ultra at the park near the stadium.
My bro and I were discussing how hard the concrete is on the bridge. It's the white concrete, which I've heard is three times harder than black asphalt. I believe it.
don't mean to brag but one of my favs was winning the 2004 Jeep Liberty Chalenge on January 24-25 - a true ultra runner would appreciate the opportunity and venue Tampa offers
That's a huge feat! Nice!
It's a tough job but somebody has to do it, right? Perhaps some extra water would help you acclimate better. Have a nice break and holiday while holding the mileage up.
Enjoy the running in Tampa.
Happy Holidays.
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