WORKOUT: 10 mile tempo run – 1.30.10 – avg pace 9.00 min/miles
We have a tempo run every Thursday night. Although when the distance becomes double digits I think you are crossing the line into long run territory.
I think I am finally getting this thing they call tempo … and it’s working
A brief history of my tempo runs …
… in the beginning … I rarely accomplished the ‘tempo’ part of the run. Probably because I wasn’t trying. I ran, we stopped when we wanted to, we wanted to a lot. There were never any negative splits. Ever. There might have been, but I never checked time/pace/distance during the run either.
… then this summer … we actually did tempo runs, which coincidentally is around the same time I started to hate tempo runs. We went out comfortably, picked it up on the way back. By pick up I mean make me puke. The only stops were a couple times for water.
… this winter … we do tempo. But there are no stops. Except for a rare traffic light. Which is okay when you are doing 6, 7 or 8 miles, but 10, 10 is a little intimidating. J and I are running with the faster girls now, so at the half way when they start taking gels, we look at each other with the same thought … we didn’t bring gels … we’re toast.
But last night we weren’t toast. We hung on, dropped back for a bit then caught up at the end.
Last night I actually like tempo. Now there is a first!
What is your favourite run or workout?
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I get really intimidated by tempo runs too, but when I am doing them and when I finish I love them. Just have to get over the fear.
I actually really like tempo and interval runs. But, 10 miles of tempo might be a little too much! Haha
I am the world’s worst at monitoring my pace. I know in my head if I did tempos and yassos and the rest it would be soooo worth it. I love that you weren’t toast despite the lack of GU!
So cool! I’m working on tempo too and know that right now it’s hard, but it has to get better
all of them? yes. all of them.
Way to rock the speedwork! My favorite run has always been the one I just completed, or the one I’ll do tomorrow. Very slowly, it’s becoming the one I’m doing right now. I have plans for tempos and intervals and all the good stuff, but I usually bail on those plans and am happy with distance.
I need a good kick in the ass.
Ali, posts about running are fine — I’ve had more than enough Matthew McConaughey for one lifetime. That was a very long tempo run! 5:36 kms are quick. My fav workout would have to be drills – especially schoolyard skipping.
Along with poached eggs you can add hand knitted woolen jumpers.
Q … there can never be enough Matty or woolen jumpers …
Holy…great workout. I really like hills last time around – surprised even me. I am learning to love the speedwork – tempo and intervals – even if they are barftastic.