My first negative split!!!!

Just got back from a nice little run......my students took a lot of my energy today, so by the time I got home, I was a little drained, but the schedule said "7" and the sun was out......so I quickly changed out of my dress shirt and khakis, laced up my Mizuno's, fired up my Garmin, and headed out.....totally unsure of what I might or might not have in the tank.  Temps were in the high 30's and I started into a headwind.

Felt like I wasn't moving too well, but I really was trying to go out conservatively and see just how far I could go without any walk breaks.  Ordinarily, I take a little break every mile but as I got going, I felt no need to stop at all.  The wind was chilly, but I soldiered on.  Some of the roads I was on had virtually no shoulder to run on, so there were a few near misses, but I kept chugging along.  When I reached my turnaround point, I looked at my Garmin to check my time....and was surprised to see the average speed coming down!  I've never managed a negative split EVER......naturally, I'd love to be able to pull that off in a race someday.....say.......in the BOSTON MARATHON, for example, but if I can do it in training, then anything is possible.  As the New England darkness began to set in, I headed home.....staying within myself but still curious to see if I could pull it off.  When I reached my driveway and shut off the Garmin, I rushed inside to upload the info and see how I did.  Although I'm not about to set the world on fire with my blazing (HA!!!!) speed, I'm pleased to report that Mission Negative Split has been accomplished!   Here are my amazing splits!

Mile 1: 9:56
Mile 2: 10:26
Mile 3: 10:22
Mile 4: 9:46
Mile 5: 9:49
Mile 6: 9:52
Mile 7: 9:35
Mile 8: 8:55  (only .13 miles, but still....)

Total: 7.13 miles @ 9:57 pace (1:10.53)

All in all, a very nice Humpday run!!

Also, I need to give a shout out to everyone who has contributed towards my charity requirement for Boston......donations are still coming in and my "finish line" is almost within sight!  Thanks!!!!