A PR (Personal Record) is a PR and I am celebrating.  There is nothing earth-shattering about a 9-minute mile other than it is about as fast I have ever run per mile in a half marathon.  This is important as I will be running a half marathon in the 70.3 Ironman Canada following swimming 1.2 miles and riding my bike 56 miles.

A few years ago, at a half marathon race in Irvine, is when I last accomplished this feat.  It was my first sub (by a hair) 2 hour half marathon.  Check out the classic old-school Timex Ironman watch below that I had back then.  I also believe that was the last half marathon I ran.  Retired on top with a PR.

What is important about today, is that I have been changing my running style.  Changing from the old heel strike to a more mid-foot to forefoot plant along with the change in shoes to Hoka One One which is more cushioned and built for the mid to forefoot plant.  Changing the running technique is intended to accomplish two things.  First, less injury because you are not hitting your stride on your heel and sending a shock wave through your body.  Hitting on the mid to forefoot cushions the impact tremendously more.  Second, the technique of being able to land on the mid to forefoot makes you lean forward and run faster in theory.  Today, both were attained.  I ran faster and felt great afterward.

Following my earlier slight swim success at lunch, I changed directly into my running gear and hit the pavement.  I ran the same 5-mile route that I have been running over the past few weeks so I could see if there was any improvement.  It all came together.  I lowered my average per minute mile by a whole :15 seconds per mile!  Maybe I should swim before I run every time?