Speed in the Heat

The temperature was lower today, in the upper 80s, and I resolved to do what speed work I could. The plan called for 3 miles of 8:30 tempo during the 6-miler. Because of the heat I ran nine minutes and walked one for the first three miles. After the first two I upped the pace, but I wasn't targeting 8:30, just faster than the 10+ minute pace I've been running this summer. I ended up most of the time being close to 9 minutes (when I wasn't walking) and that turned out okay. With fall weather on the way I'm hopeful I can start getting in some regular speedwork. I don't want it to all be in the last part of my training plan.