I strive to remain positive during marathon training, unless I’m working on negative splits.  In case you’re wondering, this term refers to running the first half (of a race) slightly slower than the second half.  Like many runners, suppressing my speed in the beginning portion of a race is a struggle.  I feel physically and mentally strong and wind up convincing myself I can maintain said overly ambitious pace for the duration.  Unfortunately, I’m usually wrong- I fizzle out, slow down, hit a wall.  I lack the ability to push at the end because I have nothing left.  Some of the most successful marathoners have achieved their personal best by using this negative strategy, so I thought why not incorporate it in to my own training?

I didn’t race this morning, but decided to throw negative splits at my 5-mile out and back run.  I inched tortise-like for the first mile, yet still technically running, eyes glued to the Garmin.

This is so stupid! Why am I doing this? I hope I’m not seen by anyone I know…

I allowed myself to speed up some then a little more, casually checking my pace.

…touch the fence and turn around, start to push, but not too hard…

I permitted myself small increments of steam, a true exercise in self-restraint.

…5 miles is nothing, just finish it already and get on with your day…

I conceded in the last half mile and sprinted, barreling down my street and in to the garage (door), more mentally than physically depleted.

…how the hell am I going to do that for 26.2 miles?!