Good morning all! Today is a glorious day. Last night I read quite a bit more of Ultra Marathon Man. It is SUPERB!
I decided to do speedwork at the track this morning. I chose this for a few reasons. You see, I am going to attend a wedding in Maine next weekend. Friday night, though, two fellow travelers and I are going to run a 5K race in a nearby town there! So I wanted to assure myself of a little speed before I begin my 4-airport tour of America to get there. Also, I am taking the opportunity while NOT yet in marathon training to do what I want, when I want, as it relates to my running schedule. And today I felt like speed!
When I got to the track, I was the only one there. Great! It was about 7 AM or a little after. Per the suggestion of Runner's World, I wore long sleeves to avoid the UV rays. To my surprise, I did not roast! I also got to park, at the time, in the shade (it was plenty bright by the time I left). I did a slow 1-mile warmup. Then, at the suggestion of Coach Terry, I did a 400m run with the last 100m being a sprint. I was aiming for a 9:15-9:30 pace (so 2:18-2:22 per 400m). I did the first one in 2:02. Yowsa! I then walked for 400m. The second attempt was 2:08, followed by a 400m walk. The third was 2:05, also followed by a walk. I intended to do 4... and as I started the fourth, I realized that I was asking too much of myself. So I proceeded to do a slow run cooldown. No need killing myself out there when I have a whole weekend to enjoy!
There were a total of 5 of us on the track during my time there. I guess everyone had the same idea; beat the heat. It really was not all that hot out. I wonder if the long sleeves helped. My dad was a roofer/sheet metal worker and always, always wore long sleeves because he said it kept him cool while out in the blazing sun. Hmm! Maybe I get that now.
I listened to the one-year anniversary show of Running From The Reaper while I was out there. Congratulations, Nigel, for one year of excellent podcasting! On a similar note, a goal for this weekend is to prepare my first ever audio to submit to The Extra Mile Podcast. Oh my! Look out world - I'm vocal!
After the track I ran three different errands. Can you think of anything better than getting up early, getting a run in, getting tasks accomplished, and being able to be home and "free" all by 9 AM? I can't think of a better way to start a Saturday!
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5 comments:
Can't wait to hear your voice on the Extra Mile - I'll be listening out for you! Well done on your speedwork - it really pays off you know (says someone who couldn't even manage her pace work today). I'll be posting your stuff as soon as I get to Canada - take good care and keep up the early starts. Every time I get up at some godforsaken hour I think "Susan would be running now so I can".. You're an inspiration!
Those are good, no... excellent 400m times. And that you didn't finish them all, don't sweat it because the race is only a week away and you don't need to beat yourself up anymore.
can't wait to catch you on The Extra Mile!
Hmm... better ways to start my Saturday.. Sleeping in, coffee & newsprint... followed by breakfast out. I'm soooo proud of you, Susan!
Nice job on the Speedwork.
I didn't even wake up until 9:45 this morning - and you were already done running by then...
Awesome!
Great job running fast so early in the morning and interesting that the long sleeves kept you cooler!
I wish I could somehow do some errands while swimming :-P
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