Guess what I did yesterday? I went against my better judgment and agreed to go on a run with Will!
See, Will runs three times a week, but he is not someone that is big into data, Garmin watches, or numbers of any kind while running. He clips on his iPod shuffle and heads out the door, occasionally wearing a wrist watch so he knows what time to turn around to make it back for dinner. Other than that, he is completely a “naked runner.” I admire this and enjoy running this way sometimes, but I also enjoy the numbers and data that come along with my Garmin. After all, I NEED to know if I am improving or not!
Anyway, we had talked about running together before, but had yet to make it happen. I was naturally hesitant because I am not much of a group runner. If it’s an Adventure Run at Road Runner Sports, I’m okay with it, but I typically prefer to run solo. I don’t like the pressure that comes with running alongside someone that is a different pace than myself. If I was quicker, it would be a different story, but I dread the thought of having to keep up with someone who is just cleaning my clock! However, we both wanted to fit a run in yesterday and since we were heading out the door at the same time, it seemed stupid to run separately. Besides, he always holds Tally’s leash which is awesome—no more dislocated shoulders for me! 
We chatted about paces, and he assured me that he was a snail like myself. In fact, I clearly remember the words “10-minute miler” coming from his mouth. I suspected that was a bit of an exaggeration, but I figured I could try to hang if he was running a 9:30-9:45 pace. In fact, that is really where I should be running so it would be good for me, right?
After our separate warm-ups, we ran into an open space trail system behind the house. I love running out there because it’s so beautiful and the trails are all dirt—perfect for my knees and for my soul! However, after a few minutes of jogging, I realized I was doing an awful lot of staring at Will’s back. I glanced down at my Garmin and saw a glorious 9:02 pace. Uh-oh.
I started internally rationalizing with myself. I’ve always known I have a lot more in me when it comes to running—I’m just not great at pushing that envelope to figure it out. I started telling myself that a 9:02 pace was totally fine. After all, we were only doing 4 miles. Anyone can sustain that for 4 miles!
For a quick review on the Outdoor Research skort, check out my IG review from yesterday
We continued running through the field, the Will-and-Tally show causing chaos in front of me the entire time. This particular trail system is rather hilly, but we maintained our same pace while crushing all of the climbs. In fact, I glanced down at my Garmin as we neared the 2.5 mile marker and realized we had actually sped up! Now we were running at an 8:52 pace. At that moment, I made the executive decision to ignore the numbers, stare at Will’s back, and try my damnedest to keep up with him. I have a stubborn streak a mile wide and there was absolutely no way I was going to tell him to slow down for me!
We continued trucking through the field and wound our way back into the neighborhood. I knew we only had a half mile left, so I convinced myself that I would keep up with Will, regardless of how fast he went. Turns out, it was great that I managed to delude myself because Will and Tals decided to turn on the gas at that point. We cranked out the last half mile at a 7:02 pace, with the entire final mile sitting around 7:58. Um, super fast for me!
Here’s the thing that kills me though: I totally did it! Could I have maintained this speed for a 10k or half marathon? Probably not, although I hate to say never. I know that CrossFit has really been improving my running, but this quick four-miler really helped me to understand how much I underestimate my own two legs. No, I’m never going to be an age group winner, but I also don’t think I should be finishing races with the times that I do. Something to ponder for the summer lineup, I suppose!
Another lesson I learned? Never trust a man when he claims to be a “10-minute miler.” Hogwash.
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Do you mentally psyche yourself out while running? Does your Garmin mess with your head?