Ok, so I am a little late on this, because last week was well, a week ago. Still, I have been busy doing nothing this week. I have done a little bit of work, but for the most part I have been a waste of space. I am not sure if that is really going to change much over the next few weeks, but at least my location will. My plan is to head home to NH for a couple of weeks, with my sights set on the Cigna 5k in Manchester on August 14th. I ran 15:16 last year, but this year it's time to break 15.
Last week I did another race, this time a 5k in Crystal City. This race started at 8pm so I had all day to hang out and work myself up into frenzy. Surprisingly I held it together for most of the day. I took a nap, ate some Cheeze-Its, and drank some water. The pre-race details aren't anything spectacular. I showed up about an hour early and warmed up about 45 minutes before with the Pacer guys. It was hot as balls out, but at least there was a breeze this week. Humidity is weird around here. Most of the time it sucks and it plays mean tricks too. Sometimes it will go away for a day, and you think life is okay. Then it comes back and you remember how much it sucks, especially to race in. (those are some of the worst sentences I have ever written)
So, I did a few striders and it seemed like everyone and their mom had a Pacer jersey/shirt on at the line. I know it was a Pacers sponsored race, but wow, what a following. Also, this was just a normal 5k around here and they had like 1700 people, that's crazy. FYI: that's a 1/3 of the people at Tufts.
So the gun goes off and people are hammering. A substantial group at the front was surely looking to cash in on the Fred Smoot Smack Down challenge; 80 dollars to the leader at the mile. At about 800m in I was in about 8th place and running about 4:35 pace. After that I slowed down a little and hit the mile in about 4:40. (Now, it's up for debate as to the accuracy of this mark, because I didn't think my second mile was all that slow and I went through in 9:45. For those of you doing math at home, that's a 5:05 second mile. I don't think so.) The Smack Challenge was won by former NY high school standout Kevin Tschirhart in 4:25 with Steve Crane (the race winner) a stride behind. As it was I got off the line too fast, I didn't need a sub 4:30 to completely trash my race.
So, as I said I went through 2-miles in 9:45 and was in fourth place. I got real close to Robbie at this point, but I could never quite get right on his shoulder. He would hang on to third and I would hang on to fourth as I finished in 15:29. Overall this was a solid effort and a step forward. I cooled down four miles and tried to avoid the free Bud-Light they were handing out at finish area. I think that was a good life decision as we don't know what happened to Robbie for our long run the next morning. In hindsight I wish I had gone out a little easier and tried to work the second mile more, but hey when Fred Smoot calls, you answer.
July 20th - 26th
Sun: 14 Miles, after the Rockville 8k this run was on a short turnaround, and it was unbelievably hot, I was lucky to survive this run.
Mon: 10.5 miles, easy run
Tue: 10.5 miles, easy run
Wed: 10.5 miles total, take down workout, 1600-4:47 (400m-2min rest), 1200-3:32 (400m-2min rest), 800-2:17 (400m-2min rest), 600-1:39(400m rest), 400-62 (200m rest), 2x200-30 (200m rest)
Thur: 12 miles, easy run, unbelievable weather (in a good way)
Fri: 10.5 miles, easy run
Sat: 10 miles total, 5k in Crystal City 15:29
Total: 78 Miles
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Racing Returns
So, this past week I made the decision to return to racing. On Saturday I jumped into the Rockville Twilight 8k, held at roughly 8:45-9:00pm. This race was a pretty cool event, as they had an "elite athletes room" prior to the race. It made me feel a little weird to be sitting in an air conditioned office before warming up, but with the 90+ temperature outside I wasn't complaining. I spent the time chilling alongside fellow Glover Park resident Rich Wilson (Amherst 07'), as we tried to hide out in one of the conference rooms. Emily decided she wanted nothing to do with the "elite" base and decided to camp out near the car; her call I guess.
In this office building I saw a bunch of dudes, fast ones too. This wasn't a run-of-the-mill 8k, this was a fast race. Among those who showed up were speedsters from the Georgetown Running Company (pretty much their whole team), Michael Wardian, Dave Berdan, and Robbie Wade. There were also a handful of foreign athletes there and a ton of fast women, including the seventh place finisher in the Olympic Trials 5k (Julie Culley). Considering where I am right now, seeing all of these people put me at ease. I wasn't thinking about winning the race or even trying to make the top five. I was focused on running "my race", a conservative approach, but still a hard effort.
The warm-up was relatively uneventful, but slightly frustrating as they delayed the start of the race by about 10 minutes. Race officials claimed that they were waiting for the sun to go down completely before starting the event. I don't know if I believe it, but it made a difference in the temperature during the race. Overall the weather was pretty terrible leading up to Saturday, mid to high 90's with the kind of humidity that hurts your body. All week I had been leaving for my runs a little after 7:30pm, doing my best to avoid excessive exposure. I was used to the conditions, but still, it was hot as balls out, and the air quality was awful. Finally, the field begins to line up and I end up sneaking in on the left side at the last second. I was probably in the second row back, but I had 6'6"ish Scott Anderson plowing the way for me.
The gun went off and a group of athletes of African descent immediately took charge. I was doing my absolute best to stay in control and not follow. I camped out a little behind Michael Wardian and Robbie Wade for the first 1/2 mile and tried to get comfortable. My goal for the race wasn't to run 25:00, it was to run a controlled race right above the "red-line." During the second half mile Wardian and Wade started to put a few seconds on me, but I was still right behind them. They likely went through the first mile around 5:00 and I went through in 5:07. My first mile was exactly what I wanted it to be, between 5:05-5:10.
Over the next few miles I was all over the place (5:20, 5;13, 5:29), but I maintained a consistent effort level throughout. It should be noted that miles two and four feature some more rolling hills, with the fourth mile being the most difficult on the course. Granted, I slowed down a little in the fourth mile, but I was actually moving up in the race standings. Overall the course was honest, not too difficult and not a bowling alley either. For my fifth mile I managed to pick things up and closed in 5:00. Now, to be honest, the fifth mile is about 50 meters short (because it's 8k not five miles). So in reality, the fifth mile is probably 5:10ish, which is still a good sign.
I had a bunch left towards the end, but the heat was definitely starting to get to me. I could see a couple of guys I recognized ahead, including Jake Klim (GRC) and Lewis Butler (Pacers) over the last mile, but I would have had to use everything to get up to there. Rather than kicking my brains out, I "surged" to the end maintaining my composure. For my first race back I was happy to finish in 26:10. I ran into a fired-up Wardian in the chute afterwards, as he ended up running 25:30, an exceptional race in the heat. Robbie Wade also ran a fantastic race, finishing in 25:07 for fifth overall.
I cooled down an easy three miles, jogging through the neighborhoods of Rockville. I felt good and had no problems after the race. I took water throughout the race and drank a bunch afterwards. Recovery was not going to be a problem. It appeared as though I had accomplished all of my goals for Saturday, but yet something felt incomplete. I can look at this race and say I did exactly what I wanted to do, but that's only partly true. Do I wish I had run faster? Of course. Do I get frustrated that I broke 25 this winter for 8k and ran 25:14 for the first 5 of a 10 miler too? YES!!! However, I have to remember the circumstances to keep me grounded, confident, and hungry. Saturday was my first race in almost two months, it was hot as balls, there was mega competition, and I have only scratched the surface of working out. These aren't excuses, they are the reality of the situation. On Saturday I was ready to run 26:10 and I did. I am what I am at this point, and I am content. Hopefully, I'll keep improving and be better next time.
Another interesting note is that I have joined up with the Pacers-Brooks Racing team around here. This was a decision I had been weighing for quite some time as I had narrowed my club/team search to two groups. I had people advising me to go in several directions, but ultimately this seems like the best fit for me right now. I never wanted to burn any bridges, and in choosing a group I hope I haven't. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Pacers training/racing group and appreciate the support of Pacers Running Stores and the guys on the team. I have been on board for about four weeks now, and I look forward to training/competing week-in and week-out. I'd also like to give props to the Georgetown Running Company guys, who are a great group of runners/people and were extremely welcoming this past winter/spring. In the end everyone just wants to get faster, so I'll train with anyone that isn't a Jets fan.
Ok, so here is the past week's training:
July 13th - 19th
Sun: 16 miles, easy run but a little quicker the 2nd half, felt ok
Mon: 6 miles, needed and easy day, had a headache all day, run was excellent though
Tue: 10.5 miles, felt great today, breathing was good, legs felt ok, pace was even
Wed: 11.5 miles total, 7am workout day, 14x400 in 70ish w/ 200m rest (approx 50sec - 1 minute), I was actually hoping to do 16, but my body started to break down on 13 and 14, pulled the plug and felt pretty terrible the rest of the day, ridiculously hot out
Thur: 10.5 miles, felt ok today, easy run
Fri: 10 miles, easy, felt good
Saturday*: 11 miles total, 8k race in 26:10 for 14th
Total: 75.5 Miles
*(I followed up my race with an early Sunday morning death march of 14 miles in 90+ heat, poor life decision)
In this office building I saw a bunch of dudes, fast ones too. This wasn't a run-of-the-mill 8k, this was a fast race. Among those who showed up were speedsters from the Georgetown Running Company (pretty much their whole team), Michael Wardian, Dave Berdan, and Robbie Wade. There were also a handful of foreign athletes there and a ton of fast women, including the seventh place finisher in the Olympic Trials 5k (Julie Culley). Considering where I am right now, seeing all of these people put me at ease. I wasn't thinking about winning the race or even trying to make the top five. I was focused on running "my race", a conservative approach, but still a hard effort.
The warm-up was relatively uneventful, but slightly frustrating as they delayed the start of the race by about 10 minutes. Race officials claimed that they were waiting for the sun to go down completely before starting the event. I don't know if I believe it, but it made a difference in the temperature during the race. Overall the weather was pretty terrible leading up to Saturday, mid to high 90's with the kind of humidity that hurts your body. All week I had been leaving for my runs a little after 7:30pm, doing my best to avoid excessive exposure. I was used to the conditions, but still, it was hot as balls out, and the air quality was awful. Finally, the field begins to line up and I end up sneaking in on the left side at the last second. I was probably in the second row back, but I had 6'6"ish Scott Anderson plowing the way for me.
The gun went off and a group of athletes of African descent immediately took charge. I was doing my absolute best to stay in control and not follow. I camped out a little behind Michael Wardian and Robbie Wade for the first 1/2 mile and tried to get comfortable. My goal for the race wasn't to run 25:00, it was to run a controlled race right above the "red-line." During the second half mile Wardian and Wade started to put a few seconds on me, but I was still right behind them. They likely went through the first mile around 5:00 and I went through in 5:07. My first mile was exactly what I wanted it to be, between 5:05-5:10.
Over the next few miles I was all over the place (5:20, 5;13, 5:29), but I maintained a consistent effort level throughout. It should be noted that miles two and four feature some more rolling hills, with the fourth mile being the most difficult on the course. Granted, I slowed down a little in the fourth mile, but I was actually moving up in the race standings. Overall the course was honest, not too difficult and not a bowling alley either. For my fifth mile I managed to pick things up and closed in 5:00. Now, to be honest, the fifth mile is about 50 meters short (because it's 8k not five miles). So in reality, the fifth mile is probably 5:10ish, which is still a good sign.
I had a bunch left towards the end, but the heat was definitely starting to get to me. I could see a couple of guys I recognized ahead, including Jake Klim (GRC) and Lewis Butler (Pacers) over the last mile, but I would have had to use everything to get up to there. Rather than kicking my brains out, I "surged" to the end maintaining my composure. For my first race back I was happy to finish in 26:10. I ran into a fired-up Wardian in the chute afterwards, as he ended up running 25:30, an exceptional race in the heat. Robbie Wade also ran a fantastic race, finishing in 25:07 for fifth overall.
I cooled down an easy three miles, jogging through the neighborhoods of Rockville. I felt good and had no problems after the race. I took water throughout the race and drank a bunch afterwards. Recovery was not going to be a problem. It appeared as though I had accomplished all of my goals for Saturday, but yet something felt incomplete. I can look at this race and say I did exactly what I wanted to do, but that's only partly true. Do I wish I had run faster? Of course. Do I get frustrated that I broke 25 this winter for 8k and ran 25:14 for the first 5 of a 10 miler too? YES!!! However, I have to remember the circumstances to keep me grounded, confident, and hungry. Saturday was my first race in almost two months, it was hot as balls, there was mega competition, and I have only scratched the surface of working out. These aren't excuses, they are the reality of the situation. On Saturday I was ready to run 26:10 and I did. I am what I am at this point, and I am content. Hopefully, I'll keep improving and be better next time.
Another interesting note is that I have joined up with the Pacers-Brooks Racing team around here. This was a decision I had been weighing for quite some time as I had narrowed my club/team search to two groups. I had people advising me to go in several directions, but ultimately this seems like the best fit for me right now. I never wanted to burn any bridges, and in choosing a group I hope I haven't. I am extremely excited to be a part of the Pacers training/racing group and appreciate the support of Pacers Running Stores and the guys on the team. I have been on board for about four weeks now, and I look forward to training/competing week-in and week-out. I'd also like to give props to the Georgetown Running Company guys, who are a great group of runners/people and were extremely welcoming this past winter/spring. In the end everyone just wants to get faster, so I'll train with anyone that isn't a Jets fan.
Ok, so here is the past week's training:
July 13th - 19th
Sun: 16 miles, easy run but a little quicker the 2nd half, felt ok
Mon: 6 miles, needed and easy day, had a headache all day, run was excellent though
Tue: 10.5 miles, felt great today, breathing was good, legs felt ok, pace was even
Wed: 11.5 miles total, 7am workout day, 14x400 in 70ish w/ 200m rest (approx 50sec - 1 minute), I was actually hoping to do 16, but my body started to break down on 13 and 14, pulled the plug and felt pretty terrible the rest of the day, ridiculously hot out
Thur: 10.5 miles, felt ok today, easy run
Fri: 10 miles, easy, felt good
Saturday*: 11 miles total, 8k race in 26:10 for 14th
Total: 75.5 Miles
*(I followed up my race with an early Sunday morning death march of 14 miles in 90+ heat, poor life decision)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Ghosts Lie at the Bottom of the Sea
Forget the title of this post, most people know that I am a bit of head case. It could even be said that I am a tad bit neurotic. So, if you want to preserve an opinion of me that does not include some weird stuff, stop here.
Former Tufts standout Ben Smith once said, "I wish people weren't so neurotic about running sometimes." (Or something to that effect) However, it was Ben who was perhaps the most neurotic of all my former teammates, making the statement especially comical (maybe even ironic). The thing is, the only person more neurotic in TU history than Ben Smith was probably me. So, it's time to take a peak inside my head.
Last night, I had a particularly bizarre running dream. I have all kinds of weird dreams, ones about me missing Patriot games, not studying for exams, and the occasional flying escapade. I haven't had a running related dream since before the marathon, so for the last seven weeks or so I have been sleeping easy. However, last night I found myself in a two-mile race at Colby College in Maine. I couldn't tell you who was in the field, they were all anonymous dudes, except for one. I have no idea why Ryan Bak was there, but he was. I haven't spoken to Bak in a few years, and haven't seen him either. I missed his 5000m pre-lim at the trials a couple weeks ago, and to be honest I haven't really thought much about him. Yet, for some reason, DIII legend Ryan Bak was at this two mile race and we were going head to head.
The gun sounds and Bak takes off. The funny thing is, I stay with him. Early in the race I am absolutely rolling, and having no problems. Then, Bak falls off the pace and I over take him. People are flipping out. There is even a swimming pool in the middle of the track, and the people in the pool are going nuts. At this point I realize that I am in a dream, because there is no way I am beating Bak in a two-mile.
So I'm pulling away and I get a huge lead (and I mean huge). The race felt over, and then like clockwork I start to tie up. My legs lock up like they always do in running related dreams, I can't move, I'm paralyzed and tripping over myself. I felt like Tim Galebach (<-watch the whole video, tough to watch, mad props) must have almost eight years ago at the junior olympics. All of a sudden my huge lead disappears. This is where my heart-rate goes through the roof, as nothing can stop Bak now. What can I do? My legs are tying up, Bak is cruising, and two laps is just too far to hang on. Bak catches up, I want to cry.
Then, the unthinkable happens, I either come out of it or Bak starts to experience the same thing. I know this sounds crazy, but I went "Monk." I only know this, I cross the line first. Then I get a Kentucky Derby sized wreath around my neck. Then I wake up. Crazy.
Upon further review, this is the first time in my running-dream-history where I have actually finished a race (I think?) with a victory. I usually drop out, wake up, or finish running terrible. I have had dreams where I have already finished the race, but a successful race from start to finish is truly revolutionary. Not only that, but I scored a victory over Bak. Of course, it's not a real victory, it's a dream. However, this dream is in many ways a victory.
At this point, I am inclined to believe that some of my confidence related issues may be a thing of the past. Perhaps, the days of psyching myself out before the race even starts are over. Then again, maybe not. I don't know, I guess only time will tell. On Saturday I will be racing in the Rockville Twilight 8k, my first since the marathon. No matter what happens, this dream does mark a step forward for me, because this time I wasn't running around with a giant inflatable hammer at the naked quad run.
Dream on.
Former Tufts standout Ben Smith once said, "I wish people weren't so neurotic about running sometimes." (Or something to that effect) However, it was Ben who was perhaps the most neurotic of all my former teammates, making the statement especially comical (maybe even ironic). The thing is, the only person more neurotic in TU history than Ben Smith was probably me. So, it's time to take a peak inside my head.
Last night, I had a particularly bizarre running dream. I have all kinds of weird dreams, ones about me missing Patriot games, not studying for exams, and the occasional flying escapade. I haven't had a running related dream since before the marathon, so for the last seven weeks or so I have been sleeping easy. However, last night I found myself in a two-mile race at Colby College in Maine. I couldn't tell you who was in the field, they were all anonymous dudes, except for one. I have no idea why Ryan Bak was there, but he was. I haven't spoken to Bak in a few years, and haven't seen him either. I missed his 5000m pre-lim at the trials a couple weeks ago, and to be honest I haven't really thought much about him. Yet, for some reason, DIII legend Ryan Bak was at this two mile race and we were going head to head.
The gun sounds and Bak takes off. The funny thing is, I stay with him. Early in the race I am absolutely rolling, and having no problems. Then, Bak falls off the pace and I over take him. People are flipping out. There is even a swimming pool in the middle of the track, and the people in the pool are going nuts. At this point I realize that I am in a dream, because there is no way I am beating Bak in a two-mile.
So I'm pulling away and I get a huge lead (and I mean huge). The race felt over, and then like clockwork I start to tie up. My legs lock up like they always do in running related dreams, I can't move, I'm paralyzed and tripping over myself. I felt like Tim Galebach (<-watch the whole video, tough to watch, mad props) must have almost eight years ago at the junior olympics. All of a sudden my huge lead disappears. This is where my heart-rate goes through the roof, as nothing can stop Bak now. What can I do? My legs are tying up, Bak is cruising, and two laps is just too far to hang on. Bak catches up, I want to cry.
Then, the unthinkable happens, I either come out of it or Bak starts to experience the same thing. I know this sounds crazy, but I went "Monk." I only know this, I cross the line first. Then I get a Kentucky Derby sized wreath around my neck. Then I wake up. Crazy.
Upon further review, this is the first time in my running-dream-history where I have actually finished a race (I think?) with a victory. I usually drop out, wake up, or finish running terrible. I have had dreams where I have already finished the race, but a successful race from start to finish is truly revolutionary. Not only that, but I scored a victory over Bak. Of course, it's not a real victory, it's a dream. However, this dream is in many ways a victory.
At this point, I am inclined to believe that some of my confidence related issues may be a thing of the past. Perhaps, the days of psyching myself out before the race even starts are over. Then again, maybe not. I don't know, I guess only time will tell. On Saturday I will be racing in the Rockville Twilight 8k, my first since the marathon. No matter what happens, this dream does mark a step forward for me, because this time I wasn't running around with a giant inflatable hammer at the naked quad run.
Dream on.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Another Week Passes
A real solid week of training this week. It was pretty similar to the prior week in terms of numbers, but overall I felt better about the quality. Sunday, run was a quick run, as the last four to five miles were likely under 6:00 pace (and when I say likely, I mean definitely). I was able to respond well to this, working out off of short rest on Tuesday. I have been running in the Brooks Defyance for my normal training runs. However, on days where I need extra recovery I have been running in the Gel Kayano XIV. Both are great shoes, however the extra support of the Kayano is not something I need on a daily basis anymore. For the rest of the week I kept up my string of 10 mile daily runs. I wanted to get out for a 12 on Friday, but I felt terrible and it was too hot during the day. Hopefully I can make my way over 80 next week.
July 6th - 12th
Sun: 16.5, hard run, last 4-5 sub 6:00
Mon: Easy 10 in the evening
Tue: 11 total, 4x1000 in 3:00, 4x600 in 1:47, 1:48, 1:48, 1:46, 2 minutes rest of the 1000's and 1 minute on the 600s, goal pace was 15:00 5k, so mission accomplished
Wed: Easy 10
Thur: Solid 10, pace was good today
Fri: Felt terrible, easy 10
Sat: Easy 10 in the evening, eating was off all day, bought a box of Wheaties, problem solved
Total: 77.5 Miles
In other news, it is time to get excited about the upcoming NFL season. I played Madden for the first time since before the Super Bowl. It felt good, and for my first game I played with Brett Favre and the Packers. I threw seven interceptions, fumbled twice, and only lost by 10 in a shootout........with the Cardinals. After that performance, Brett should stay retired. In my next game, I went back to my roots and the Pats blew out the Dolphins by 20. Can't wait for that to happen in real life again.
July 6th - 12th
Sun: 16.5, hard run, last 4-5 sub 6:00
Mon: Easy 10 in the evening
Tue: 11 total, 4x1000 in 3:00, 4x600 in 1:47, 1:48, 1:48, 1:46, 2 minutes rest of the 1000's and 1 minute on the 600s, goal pace was 15:00 5k, so mission accomplished
Wed: Easy 10
Thur: Solid 10, pace was good today
Fri: Felt terrible, easy 10
Sat: Easy 10 in the evening, eating was off all day, bought a box of Wheaties, problem solved
Total: 77.5 Miles
In other news, it is time to get excited about the upcoming NFL season. I played Madden for the first time since before the Super Bowl. It felt good, and for my first game I played with Brett Favre and the Packers. I threw seven interceptions, fumbled twice, and only lost by 10 in a shootout........with the Cardinals. After that performance, Brett should stay retired. In my next game, I went back to my roots and the Pats blew out the Dolphins by 20. Can't wait for that to happen in real life again.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Making My Way Back to Workouts
So another two (plus) great weeks of training have gone by since my last post. After my initial four weeks I figured I was ready to step back on the track for some work. Like the rest of my training I eased into it by starting with workouts I knew I could handle. Here is what the last two weeks (before this week have looked like.
June 22-28
Sun: 16 with Pacer guys, most of this run was at a really good clip, last few miles I started to run out of gas and coasted in. Never felt particularly comfortable, but oh well.
Mon: Easy 10, changed shoes to Brooks Defyance
Tue: Easy 10
Wed: 8 miles, really hot out
Thur: 10.5 total, workout, felt ok/good today, rhythm is still a little off out there, 12x400 w/ 90 sec rest (includes 200m jog) [73,73,74,73,73,74,74,73,73,74,74,72], 3 miles on both sides
Fri: 10 miles
Saturday: 9.5 miles
Total: 74 Miles
June 29 - July 5
Sun: 15 with Pacer guys again, got moving pretty quickly along the canal, 1:35:30 on the total time, last few miles were at a "good" clip but this time I was able to respond a little better.
Monday: Easy 10
Tuesday: Easy 10
Wednesday: 12 total, 3 miles warm up, then 8x800 (2:27-2:30) w/2 minutes rest (400m jog), 3 miles cool down, felt ok out there, could have done more but kept it real.
Thursday: Easy 10, felt terrible.
Friday: 10.5, legs were a wreck, tired and overall not good.
Saturday: 10 miles, 5 easy miles with Em, then five by myself, good way to end the week as I felt pretty crappy after the workout.
Total: 77.5 Miles
So the jump in mileage would explain why I felt so crappy at the end of the week, but what I didn't mention was that work was also pretty tough. My sleep patterns were off, work was stressful, and overall I didn't really want to run last week. Although I put up a good number, make no mistake, it wasn't a great week feeling-wise. Running is not glamorous and it isn't about the numbers for me. At this point I want to get stronger, and sometimes it is going to be tough. Last week was about fighting through some of the tiredness to move back into a routine. Overall, mission accomplished.
So far, this week is going well, I'll update on Sunday with the details.
June 22-28
Sun: 16 with Pacer guys, most of this run was at a really good clip, last few miles I started to run out of gas and coasted in. Never felt particularly comfortable, but oh well.
Mon: Easy 10, changed shoes to Brooks Defyance
Tue: Easy 10
Wed: 8 miles, really hot out
Thur: 10.5 total, workout, felt ok/good today, rhythm is still a little off out there, 12x400 w/ 90 sec rest (includes 200m jog) [73,73,74,73,73,74,74,73,73,74,74,72], 3 miles on both sides
Fri: 10 miles
Saturday: 9.5 miles
Total: 74 Miles
June 29 - July 5
Sun: 15 with Pacer guys again, got moving pretty quickly along the canal, 1:35:30 on the total time, last few miles were at a "good" clip but this time I was able to respond a little better.
Monday: Easy 10
Tuesday: Easy 10
Wednesday: 12 total, 3 miles warm up, then 8x800 (2:27-2:30) w/2 minutes rest (400m jog), 3 miles cool down, felt ok out there, could have done more but kept it real.
Thursday: Easy 10, felt terrible.
Friday: 10.5, legs were a wreck, tired and overall not good.
Saturday: 10 miles, 5 easy miles with Em, then five by myself, good way to end the week as I felt pretty crappy after the workout.
Total: 77.5 Miles
So the jump in mileage would explain why I felt so crappy at the end of the week, but what I didn't mention was that work was also pretty tough. My sleep patterns were off, work was stressful, and overall I didn't really want to run last week. Although I put up a good number, make no mistake, it wasn't a great week feeling-wise. Running is not glamorous and it isn't about the numbers for me. At this point I want to get stronger, and sometimes it is going to be tough. Last week was about fighting through some of the tiredness to move back into a routine. Overall, mission accomplished.
So far, this week is going well, I'll update on Sunday with the details.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
