Starting Harder?

Today I didn't have much time so I just went to the first bridge and back (2.68 miles). I never quite know what to expect out of my body the day after a hard run but I wanted to better my last time of 21:08 for the same distance. As I get into better condition it's strange to exert the same amount of energy and feel my body go faster. I can just sense that my legs are turning over more quickly and that things just seem to move right by me as I run (even though it feels as though I'm not trying any harder.)

I got to the bridge and turned around about 10:15 into the run. If I could keep pace with that I would accomplish my goal. I felt good and, as usual, finished with a hard final 600m or so to finish with a time of 19:46. I didn't quite expect to break 20 today so that was good.

I am starting to wonder if I could better my times by altering my running strategy. I have a great fear of running out of gas in the middle of a run. It's only really happened to me once during one of my first races and not only was my time terrible, it is terribly painful as well to try and finish after your body is spent. I have good finishing speed so it usually works out fine, but part of me always wonders if things would be different if I went for it a little earlier.

2.68 miles - 19:45 (7:22/mile)

Mike