I never run with headphones, yesterday I ran a ½ mary and decided to wear headphones. Not really sure why, but I did. So my race plan was run the first 5 miles in HR zone 1, second 5 miles in HR mid to upper zone 2, last 3 miles all out. So the first 5 went as planned, I was keeping a nice pace, felt comfy. Mile 6 and 7 I was pushing, my HR went up my mile pace came down, then mile 8 my mile pace was back up to my first 5 mile pace. I got my best mile time at mile 9. Mile 10 I was slow again. Now according to my plan I had to run all out for the last 3 miles. For whatever reason I can’t get myself to run all out, I am afraid I am going to blow up and end up walking, so I decide to push myself a little harder until mile 11.5 or so then run all out. Mile 11 comes and I am still not running the mile pace I think I should be running nor is my HR in zone 3, but yet I feel like I am running faster. From mile 6-13 I was passing a lot of people so I think I was running faster. Mile 12 and 13 come and go and I am still slower than I think I should be. I finish about 10 seconds slower than I did last year. Here is my question: What happened??? Could have it been the headphones??? All my training I never wore headphones and always would have good runs, training the same way I was going to race. I couldn’t even tell you what was playing on the headphones; I didn’t even focus on them it was more background noise than anything. I know the headphone question sounds silly, but that is the only thing that changed with all my training

I wouldn't wear the headphones, and focus on my running/breathing and the way i feel. I really can't complain i did have a nice race just not want i was expecting.

not much of a warm down at all.


not really sure, searching for answers