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February 5, 2005
Alameda ridge 
So, I did an 8 mile walk this morning. I had the bright idea of trying to do the whole thing at a 15 minute/mile pace. I'm sad to say I didn't make that—I did it in 2:04, or 15:30.
I was a nice morning, and I did the first mile in 12:57. Incredible! I felt all relaxed and loose. The route I chose was an old favorite, along the Alameda Ridge to 57th, and up to Fremont, which makes 4 miles—doubling back will make 8. Alameda ridge has big beautiful houses and an impressive view of downtown and SE Portland, and the rolling hills keep you on your toes.
The second mile had the steepest hill, which slowed me down, but I was still feeling great. (Hmmm, that makes me sound like I'm going to say I felt bad at some point. Not so. But anyways) By about 24th Avenue, there were suddenly a lot of walkers. Huh? A few blocks later, I saw the AVA arrows—yep, it was the Volkssporters. I also ran (almost literally) into a running group which was running on the sidewalk!
I passed the largest estate sale I think I've ever seen. People stretched from the house to the sidewalk, and lines filled the sidewalk to the end of the block both ways. Somewhere in mile three, I fell behind the virtual training partner. Ack! But the sun was shining and the day was beautiful, and I just went as fast as I could and called it good.
I didn't end up with a negative split—both halves were 1:02. Disappointing. But, in spite of trying to walk this like a race, I wasn't able to keep the pace up. It's disappointing—I was hoping my base fitness had improved more than it has.
But. It was a great day, and a good walk. I tried hard to stay in racewalking form, and to keep my abs engaged, and while I didn't have 100% success, it's getting better, and seeming more natural.
Posted at February 5, 2005
Comments
I'd say you did darn good. That fast first mile may have taken away some time from the later ones, its hard to say. And running into huge crowds can mess up your pace as well. If both halves were even then maybe it was a good average. I find it very hard to keep pace in the city. I pick up the paces from everyone around me and I just can't concentrate.
And let me also say that I would not have been able to go past the estate sale without stopping. One of those little vices I have. :)
Posted by: Jon in Michigan at February 6, 2005 4:39 AM
Good for you, VJ. That first mile was fast! Glad you enjoyed the day...
Posted by: susan at February 6, 2005 6:28 PM
Sounds like a good walk. I agree with Jon-- I have a hard time when I start out too fast-- I always finish up slower. Also I can never remember to keep the abs engaged, like they say in Pilates. I have a tendency to just want to let it all hang out :)
Posted by: Rachel at February 8, 2005 4:21 PM