Class 18

The intent today was to run the second half of your distance faster than the first. This happens almost automatically if you use the early portion as a warmup and start at a gentle pace.

Tomorrow you'll take your final easy half-hour, which will refresh you for the one-mile or 5K test on Friday. Remember that your quiz answers also will be due that day (if you haven't done this already and you're taking this class for credit).

TODAY'S SLOW/FAST 1.2 MILES

(with total time and per-mile pace of the two laps; target was to finish faster)

Brianna -- 14:18 (11:23 & 12:27 pace, +1:04)

Haley -- 11:09 (9:36 & 8:58 pace, -38 sec.)

Linfeng -- 11:46 (10:08 & 9:28 pace, -40 sec.)

Marissa -- 14:58 (12:36 & 12:20 pace, -16 sec.)

Sanna -- 10:10 (8:52 & 8:05 pace, -47 sec.) 3rd best speedup

Huimin -- 14:14 (10:45 & 12:58 pace, +2:13)

Jianguo -- 15:56 (12:18 & 14:15 pace, +1:57)

Yidi -- 16:23 (11:40 & 15:38 pace, +3:58)

TODAY'S SLOW/FAST 2.4 MILES

(with total time and per-mile pace of the each two-lap segment; target was to finish faster)

Jasmine -- cross-trained

Jacob -- 19:17 (8:57 & 7:06 pace, -1:51) best speedup, earning extra credit

Sara -- 18:57 (8:17 & 7:29 pace, -48 sec.) 2nd best speedup

LESSON 18: WHY RACE?

Running in races is not a requirement for calling yourself a runner. Running is easier and safer without this added effort. Racing is hard, and moderately risky – but also exciting, challenging and motivating as it pushes you farther and faster than you could go alone. The race itself puts you on the line – not just the starting line but at the red-line of your abilities, where you can push no harder without breaking. Racing puts your training and resolve to their final test. You don’t take this test alone but in the company of dozens, hundreds or even thousands of runners like yourself. You aren’t competing with them; you’re cooperating. The competition isn’t with others but with the distance, the course, the conditions and the voice inside that pleads with you to ease off. Everyone else in the race is tested the same ways. You push, pull and pace each other.