I was very intimidated by my tempo run today. In fact, this morning during coffee Chris looked at me and said: "Stressed about something at work?" Well nothing at work is stressful (or everything is) but I was certainly not thinking about my work. I was thinking about my planned 8 miler with 6 miles @ 7:44. It's not like this is a super fast tempo. In fact, in a race I would be able to go much faster. But for a hot afternoon training run, it's not easy, particularly since my 6 mile MP last week seemed tough.
Since last week my stomach was a bit queasy, I decided to skip my prerun snack and just go get the run done. This turned out to be a great idea, as my stomach felt great during the run, and I did not lack energy. I ran my warm up mile @ 8:45, a bit concerned that it did not seem that easy, and my tempo would have to be 1 minute/mile faster. However, when I switched to the tempo, the pace felt....good and sustainable. I kept my eye on the watch the entire time, to make sure I stay on pace. The first 3 miles were on a slight incline for an average of 7:43 pace. My pace kept getting faster during the last 3 (downhill) miles, but since the effort seemed the same as on the uphill, I did not care. During the last mile I felt the lactic acid in my legs, and worked on keeping my form, shoulders relaxed, stride stiff and strong. Done! One slow mile and I was home, made my shake and took an icebath! 8 miles @ 6 @ 7:38. Very happy with this! Tempos, I've got you down!
Tomorrow I have 4 slow recovery miles, and then 17 miles on Saturday with my 2 running buddies, which I have not seen in a while. So exciting!
On a different note, please spread the word about Fresh Air's efforts to find runners and sponsors to join the Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon on August 16th. This is a great way to participate in NYC's premier summer road race while helping Fresh Air Fund children. For more information, go here:http://freshair.org/racers I would certainly run it myself, if I lived in NYC or surrounding areas!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Great job! I had a great 6 mile tempo run today too, and I actually felt fine afterward. Woohoo! This running thing isn't so tough (today anyway)! ;)
Longer tempo runs in hot weather is intimidating...I had my first one yesterday and is trembling a bit thinking about it. Ummm, and mine was only 6M with 4M at tempo pace...yeah, I have a lot of catching up to do!
Awesome job!
oh man i get soo psyched out about my workout-runs! i'm kind of glad i'm not the only one :)
nice job on the tempo run! you more than aced it. i love when all the worrying turns out to be worthless and the run just goes excellently. try to remember that for your next tempo run - you CAN do it!
About track workout post - you really nailed those times. I love track workouts too. The runners high runs well into the next day for me.
Sounds like your tempo runs are coming along nicely. 6 miles is a pretty long time to hold that pace this early. Nice job!! Tempo runs psyche me out too.
amazing tempo run, especially with the difficult first three miles uphill. I'm learning to love tempo runs (or really the slow mile when they are done). but I feel you on the hot temps messing with your mind.
Great Job! COngratulations! Just keep the fire burning within! Let the passion be your guide in your running! ; ) Love it and it will love you back.
AWESOME job! I am always so nervous before my tempo runs too . . . I think I just psyche myself out. But way to rock them! VERY nice pace!
Post a Comment