Getting speed

I've been slowly dropping my mileage in the last week. As of today, I'm officially in taper mode.

I'm always worried about what kind of "speed" I have going into a marathon. I usually get the chance to test myself with a few smaller races. That hasn't worked out for me this time around. There's a chance I can do a 5K this coming weekend, otherwise I may have to wing it.

Along with a bunch of big boy miles, here's what I have in the bank:

Last night's 20x 400 workout was my final workout. I averaged 72.5 with 80 seconds of recovery.

Reps 1-4 avg 73.7

5-8 avg 72.7

8-12 avg 73.4

13-16 avg 72.3

17-20 avg 70.6

Ironically, that's a hair faster than I've run 20x 400 before. Prior to CIM, I averaged 72.6. Importantly too, the workout didn't break me. I was strong the entire way though and gradually picked it up. Final two splits were 70.2 and 68.2.

Monday night's final 10 miles of big boy tempo. I averaged 5:47. Aside from being in a race, that's a great pace for that distance. Again, I felt strong all the way through it. No harm or help from any wind here either, just steady speed. I could've easily banged out three more miles to give me a half marathon.

Split recap:

1- 6:05.9

2- 5:49.7

3- 5:50.3

4- 5:47.7

5- 5:43.6

6- 5:45.3

7- 5:46.0

7- 5:50.0

9- 5:44.9

10- 5:36.0

Total- 57:59.4 / Avg- 5:47.9

The prior week's tempo was 8 @ 5:40 average. It was a little unfair though, as I had a big headwind early and then tailwind for the last 5 miles. I also did 20x 200s last week, w/ 200 recoveries. I averaged 34.5 with the final handful hit down to 31-32. Considering I'm anything but a sprinter, that was about as fast as it gets for me.

At this point, my training is done. I have a week and a half to recover. A 5K would certainly help boost my confidence and I'd love to burn a fast one. I'm not sure if I'll get the chance though... weather looks hairy for the coming weekend and the last thing I want to do is waste my time in a fight with the wind.