Signs Running has Taken Over my Life: Data Analysis

I'm trained in data collection and analysis, both quantitative and qualitative.  For my job I crunch numbers and use the data to write Action Plans as related to education.  I love looking at numbers and other forms of data for clues.  I know it's not for everyone, but me, I like it.

When I began running I used a Pedometer to keep track of my steps.  Initially I was trying to get 10,000 plus steps per day for good health.  As my fitness level increased I slowly began wanting a better indicator of what kind of work outs I was accomplishing each day.  I ended up downloading the runkeeper app to my phone:

runkeeper.com/

The app uses GPS satellites to track your route, speed, pace, time and distance.  I have mine set up to give vocal alerts at each half mile mark and 5 minute mark.  The app has been great for my training and at times makes me a little maniacal (C'mon, hit that 9:30 pace!).  I love it because the data is sent from my phone to the runkeeper website where I am able to track my progress, compare my runs, choose different routes to run, and also, analyze my data.

Yup, I am now analyzing my runs.  The data that I have been looking at are my speeds on different elevations, and my mile split times.  Over the course of a year or so I have learned that I tend to hit my stride somewhere around mike 4 and 5.  Yups, it takes this old body that long to warm up!!!  The mile splits have also helped me in strategy for longer runs (SAY WHAT?!!).  For instance, in training for my Half Marathon the data collected on my Long Slow Distance runs gave me a good indicator as to how long I could run at a 10 minute pace.

Here's the data from my Half Marathon yesterday:

My timing chip data from the run had me at the 7 mile marker at 1:12:05 and my finishing time at 2:13:20.  I ran the second half of the race much much faster than the first half for a negative split.  While I sprinted the last mile, afterward I did have quite a bit of energy left (Probably that high octane Rasberry Chocolate GU at mile 8) and looking at the data I probably could have picked up the pace earlier and didn't need to slow down at mile 11 for the last 2 miles.

Sound nuts?!!  YOU BET!!!  Obviously I am a little too intellectual and obsessed about this crazy running thing and need to GET A LIFE!!!

Someone help!!!

But really look at mile 13.  Haha.  I ran 12 miles and still managed to pull out a sub 9 mile on a hot as hell course in a mile through Magic Island (those of you who know Magic Island know how hot it is!).  Can I get a cheee hooooooo!!!!