Tour de Fleurs – 20K

This was my first real test for marathon training.  Most of my previous ‘long’ runs were done in sections.  I was determined to make it one continuous long run.  My goal pace was between 9:15 – 10:15.  The temperature was cool enough, but it was humid (85%).  The plan was to do as much as possible beforehand, run the race and cool down.

The Tour de Fleurs took place at the Dallas Arboretum out on White Rock Lake!  I got out there about an hour early.  It was still extremely dark, and the lake is not well lighted on the side we started on.  I just did an out and back for 2.65 miles (26:22.  Laps: 10:10, 9:49, and 9:55 to finish).  Used the porta potties and got ready to start.  I was hoping to run the first 6 straight through and then switch to my walk 0.1/run 0.9 method.  I was still feeling good at 6, so decided to push to 8, still felt good, so pushed to 10.  After that I was just too dang stubborn to stop!  You go all the way around the lake with a few side detours to make it 12.4 and the main uphill is within the last mile.  (Watch measured 12.50 miles in 1:56:59.  Laps: 9:37, 9:25, 9:24, 9:23, 9:29, 9:14, 9:27, 9:37, 9:18, 9:12, 9:11, 9:25, and 8:38 to finish – full disclosure I did stop my watch while waiting for a porta potty).  Crossed the finish line, grabbed some water, and continued to my car to finish up the 16 miles.  0.90 miles in a 9:36 pace. 

Overall 16.05 in 2:31:56 (9:27 pace)

Overall I am extremely happy with this run!  Felt good, ran the whole thing, and stayed relatively consistent.

I had brought a change of clothes to wear to the after party, instead of being sopping wet with sweat and water. The arboretum as a nice outdoor concert area, seating and stage with bands playing.  I went straight for a beer, ran into some friends, and then went and toured the gardens.  I had never walked through there before.  Very cool and they had there pumpkin area set up.  Some pretty pictures....