Two events of significance occurred during training this week - my first track workout, and my first double digit long run! Both were a huge success and I am very excited to see where things go from here. To recap:
The goal work-out was:
2 mile warm up - 1200@4:30 - 2x800@3:00 - 2x400@90 - 2 mile cool down
As I had not tested my speed to date, I had no idea if these were attainable goals. A 6 minute mile pace and so few intervals would have been a piece of cake back in January, but these are different times so I was extremely nervous as I jogged towards Tyler, who agreed to join me for the workout. I realized on the way there that I have never done a track workout so early in the day, it was strange being there as the sun came up instead of seeing it go down.
I need to give you some background information on the "track" that I have been referring to. It is a 0.25 mile loop around a field of sorts, but it has cracked pavement complete with mud puddles and small changes in elevation. I love it because in addition to a track workout you get to puddle hop while practicing hills, but I think Tyler was a bit surprised when she first realized that this was the place I meant when I said "track." Soon, we were off, chasing down the 1st lap of 3 for the 1200. I was surprised when I came through in 89, 1 second fast, and I felt solid. The next lap flew by and I came through in 90, perfect. The 3rd lap was a bit of a struggle but I pulled it off and finished in 93 for a total time of 4:32. This was 2 seconds slower than goal, but I was thrilled because I knew at that moment the rest of the workout would be a success. While I did fade during the final lap, I knew I had a lot left in the tank, and looked forward to the 800s. Each was right on target at 3 flat and I could feel my body coming alive from the thrill of chasing down each lap as it came. We altered our goal a bit for the 400s deciding that 85 would be a better pace, toed the line, and were off again. I held back some on the 1st but still exceeded my goal with an 83, then let myself go for it on the last one to see what I could do ... 77! The 2 mile cool down was tougher than I care to admit, but I was so proud of my track work-out that the slow pace did not bother me a bit. Tyler is awesome to have gotten up so early to run in circles with me, but I do not think I paid her back for it well. Apparently I splash quite a bit more than she does when running through the puddles and she came away from the morning with mud covering her legs and lower torso ... sorry Tyler!
The second significant even took place at the Greenbrier in West Virginia bright and early Saturday morning. Jason and I traveled there to visit my wonderful grandparents, and to watch some of the Greenbrier Classic (a PGA golf event). Knowing that the golfers would be teeing off around 8:30am I needed to finish up my 10 miler early since the roads wind around the golf course and I did not want to be in the way. Jason was planning to ride the bike along-side me and just as we were heading out the door ... horror struck...
I FORGOT MY GARMIN!!!!! How could I do something so stupid? I was furious with myself, and as I grew angrier each moment I realized how absolutely addicted I have become to pace training. Jason calmed me down and reminded me that our bike has a computer on it to calculate speed and distance. I would not have the luxury of looking at my wrist to track my pace per mile at whatever moment I so pleased, but I would be able to track my total distance and time, then do the math to solve for pace. At this point is really was ridiculous to be upset over something like this, I should not be focusing on pace right now anyways. If anything, this was a blessing in disguise because it would force me to run by feel. Still mad at myself, I set out for the run not knowing what to expect, but trying to keep an open mind.
Before long I was loving running without my watch. I was running at whatever pace felt good and we went down whatever route looked fun. The miles flew by and before I knew it my 1st double digit run was complete. Jason read off the total time and it came to 1:18. I had not been focusing on pace the entire time, so to have run for 10 miles below an 8 minute mile pace and finish feeling relaxed and comfortable was awesome. I will not run without my watch every time, but this reminded me the importance of trusting my body and enjoying running for what it is, fun.
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