My Update:
I'm still slow as molasses. My speed work today was supposed to be 7 miles, with 5 "speed" miles at 7:24 in between a warm-up and cool-down mile. My miles went:
Mile 1: 8:51 = @ 32 degrees outside, I needed the warm-up
Mile 2: 7:25 = right where I wanted it, but I had trouble breathing (could have been the cold weather)
Mile 3: 7:24 = still right on pace, but I was working way to hard
Mile 4: 7:27 = no street lights in this stretch, I was just guessing my pace = not too bad
Mile 5: 7:22 = this mile destroyed me, no HR monitor, but it had to be maxed out
Mile 6: 8:32 = I was on pace for the first quarter mile, but had nothing left in the tank
Mile 7: 8:45 = this was the hardest mile I've run in a long time; it hurt
In summary, I was able to stay on pace for 4.25 of the 5 speed miles, but I'm still really struggling with my speed work. I didn't have any food in me; I have a cold; I'm carrying an extra 4-5 lbs; this is the first running race I've trained for in 11 months; the weather was colder than I'm used to; and I'm old (best excuses I can come up with)
One positive thing to add:
OxySox Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!! My calves have not felt this good while training for a race in at least 5 years.