Since we're about to fall off page 1, I'll reply to myself.
Today I was able to run 9 miles in 82:34, 9:10 per mile, just less thatn the 9:09 per mile pace necessary to break 2 for the half. I varied the pace a good bit for each mile, with the slowest mile in 9:40 and the fastest in 8:47. Basically I started easy, picked it up for a mile, picked it up again, then back to slower pace, then up, up again. I did this cycle 3 times in all. I'm hoping it trains my body to run hard and fast when necessary, and still relax, and that slowing down just a bit will allow my body to recover.
So far so good, at least today. The question is can I carry the same overall pace for 4.1 more miles, and honestly, I have no idea.
As a group we are at 19,893 miles since February. Give me your miles and hours and I'll post them in the master sheet, and when we go through 20,000 miles I'll let you know.
Best
Craig