8 mile half marathon long training run? Check! 
Plus, look who’s FINALLY back!
Yay
Matt and I met my friends Jillian, Elle, and Lauren at 9 a.m. this morning at the beautiful American Tobacco Trail for a nice long run.
We had 8 miles on the docket as per our half marathon training plan! Since we did an out-and-back run on a trail, Matt was able to come along too, run the first 2.5 miles with us, and then turn back early for a 5 mile run. Perfect!
We had a fantastic run — 8 miles in 1:08:42 for an average pace of 8:35!
Splits:
- Mile 1: 8:22
- Mile 2: 8:49
- Mile 3: 8:37
- Mile 4: 8:52
- Mile 5: 8:29
- Mile 6: 8:49
- Mile 7: 8:15 (!)
- Mile 8: 8:26
Hooray! As always — we ended with a sprint
I’m excited because we’re definitely getting faster — I think our weekly speed workouts are starting to pay off already! Our first half marathon long training run was 6 miles at an 8:55 pace, our second long run was 7 miles at an 8:53 pace, and this week was 8 miles at 8:35! Obviously the fact that this run was for the most part flat and the others were hilly is a huge factor, but we’re also all just starting to feel stronger, too. I’m excited
And speaking of speed workouts and running — check out this awesome post on speed work and becoming a better runner by one of my loyal blog readers, Gavi! Those of you that are just getting into running will find her story particularly inspiring — she went from being overweight, struggling to run 11 minute miles, and being too nervous to run with others, to finishing a half marathon in 1:51 (an average pace of 8:30/mile!). Pretty amazing, really. Just goes to show how far determination and a little self-confidence will get you!
Anyway! After our run, we headed to brunch. Today’s location: Guglhupf Bakery!
I’ve been here before and love this place, so I was happy to go back with everyone I had the frittata of the day (with mushrooms, cheese, and leeks), which came with a couple slices of freshly baked baguette and some fruit!
Deeeeeeeelish.
Plus — a side of bacon, which I shared with Matt — that’s his “I love bacon” face, lol. 
Because as we all know… I “Will Run for Bacon”
Matt and I are off to enjoy the beautiful 60 degree and sunny weather that NC is lucky enough to have today. Have a great Saturday!
GREAT run!!!
Enjoy your day with Matt! The weather is beautiful here in FL too!
Congrats girl!! I wish my hammy didn’t hurt so I could run:( You are a lucky duck!
Haha I believe I make the “I love Peanut Butter” face in about the same way, minus the beard! Great job on the 8 miles. Those splits are fab. Keep up the good work. I got 10 in today. Can’t wait for some beautiful weather so our trails clear off soon. Happy Running!
Must be fun to have so many people to run with!! Looks like a great weekend!
Great job on the 8 miler! Running long distances with friends is so much easier!
Looks like Matt should be a bacon model. “Mmmmmmm bacon.”
Lol. Definitely.
congrats on the great run & yay for matt being back!
i will do a lot of things for bacon, and running is one of them!!
Your boy is backk! enjoy the beautiful day!
Looks like a great run for you girls. Welcome back Matt, we missed you.
It was 65 in Atlanta today. beauttttttttiful day.
umm, buried in snow. hate you
More reason to get your butt down here to visit
Great run, Anne. And tremendous to see the times come down. Very well done. Speedwork pays off, as you’re seeing. Congrats -
That is a speedy 8-miler, great for you!
Your 8-mile runs are very inspirational
Awesome! Great run, great group, great chow, great guy! Doesn’t get any better than that…
Congrats on a fabulous run!! I just started my half training the other day. It begins with a long run of 4 miles and works up to an eventual 12 before the big day. I’m so excited, and your blog is so inspiring and full of positive motivation. Thank you!
Thank you
Good luck with your half!
You always show me the places I didn’t go when I lived in Chapel Hill. I think having no car for two years limited me and then the last two years of school I was just set in my ways. Can’t wait to try some of these places when I’m in town in April!
You should!
The trail is awesome and so is that brunch place but definitely only drive-able!
I took a break from running following a minor injury. I’ve been having trouble getting the motivation to pick it back up (even though I’ve been running for 12 or 13 years). I’m not sure what it was; but, something about your pictures has me itching to get out the door and go for a long run. THANKS!
Aw, I’m so glad to hear that! Hope you had a great run
It has to be so nice to train with friends, especially for these long runs. And so happy that Matt is back.
Awww, you must have missed him to share your bacon with him. 
So cute.
Trail runs and bacon. Sounds like my idea of heaven.
Amazing run! And goodness, I LOVE Guglhupf. Such good memories of weekend brunches in college…
MMMM:) Can’t wait to come visit!