Monday, March 26, 2012

Training thoughts

I think when you push your body hard 2 things can happen: you either adapt and get stronger, or break down and need rest (not necessary get injured, but that is a possibility). Last week I had my first week with full on speed: track, progression/tempo in addition to a long run that ended up being fast. I was tired. My body was tired. The runs went well, but the track was harder than I expected. I was a bit concerned about the fatigue. Tim had promised to take me to my breaking point and then rest me well, so I thought I was getting close to that (and was slightly disappointed, ha). But I turned a corner this week. I ran hills, a 6K track workout (without the active recovery) at, below, and way below planned 5K pace and felt great. I than ran a long run @ aerobic pace with 4 mile repeats @ sub 10K pace interspersed in there. I felt super. Much, much better than last week. Me thinks I adapted! Phew!

And this is where, my friends, having a coach becomes invaluable. We are all different. We handle long vs track vs hilly runs differently (did I mention I was sore after my hill repeats and I never get sore these days???). A coach can learn that about you and then push you or slow you down when needed (OK, mine is probably pulling his hairs because I am a wild one and once in a while I misbehave aka go too fast). Do we all need a recovery week every 3 weeks? Do we all need the same amount of long runs, or the same amount of speed work? Do we all have the same weaknesses and strengths? I think not.

I have witness such an increase in my fitness in the past two months since I started with Tim. I have not raced yet, so obviously I don't have any concrete results to show for, but I am feeling so strong, so happy and excited running these very fun and complicated (yet simple!) workouts and I never get bored with running. I am truly surprised that I like being coached so much!

And just for fun, here is what I've been up to. Notice that during the past week the speed increased, the mileage decreased and there is a lot of black (recovery) in there. I have become such a fan of recovery runs. I go into them with rough feeling legs, and finish them springy and ready for a hard effort the next day...

14 comments:

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

It is so exciting to read about your training and work with Tim. He's incredible...I was never SO fit and strong as when I trained with him. All of my paces improved and his style, motivation and professionalism still impress me! It's going to be fun to watch you race and feel that strength and confidence!
Thanks for the wishes, I'm on my way as well!

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

By the way, have you listened to him on Endurance Planet podcasts? His thoughts and advice on fueling are really helpful!

Raina said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Awesome awesome looking training. Very nice recovery running between the hard workouts!
When you say "I ran .. a 6K track workout (without the active recovery)" Does that mean 6k straight? or 6k total with rests that are full (walk/stop) rests? Sounds like you are an ANIMAL on the track.

You are so right. We are all different! It's super that you have a coach to take the workouts and adapt them to you. One thing I am learning is that not everyone benefits with a 7 day cycle. I am doing some experimenting and interested to see the results.

Great looking stuff, AM.

Where are the updates on Petru? :)

I think this was not a Friday post. I didn't miss it. :) Couldn't have.

Petraruns said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Wow! It's really working for you isn't it? Fantastic effort . I totally agree about coaches - it makes SUCH a difference to have someone else analyse your workouts and tell you what you REALLY need rather than just make it up as you go along. Can't wait to see how you do!

Ana-Maria RunTriLive said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Raina, I started the post on Friday and then finished it yesterday, hence the wrong date.
My 6 k track - 6k of only intervals, I did not include the recovery in the 6K. And yes, I had recovery, 200m jog or 1 min jog but never a full stop:)
Thanks Raina:)

ajh said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You've always been fast so you're going to be incredible now! Glad things are going so well for you.

mmmonyka said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You are doing awesome! When do you start racing? I am sure you can't wait!
And isn't having a coach that you fully trust and like the best thing ever?!?

Jenn said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Good post AM:)

I agree completely. We are all very very different and there is no perfect training formula for everyone. Yes, I think a coach can be invaluable and your progress has certainly proven that to me!!

Your graph is so pretty. All the pretty colors and every.single.day! My graph is a bit weak-ha! Only one color and very intermittent:)

Really really happy for you and inspired daily with what you've been able to do in your comeback here! aMAzing workouts. Super dedication. Wish you were a horse so I could bet on you:)

Raina said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

You are tearing it up on the track! That's a fantastic workout, AM. Thanks for clarifying :) Solid stuff there.

NOW I understand why some of my posts do that too. I never figured that out until now! If you save it and come back to it, it does that?!I never noticed until now because I don't want to be your last commenter. :)

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hmm I don't know what to think, I'm in the last hell weeks before taper and frankly it's kicking my arse! You are doing sooo well!! YAY

Jill said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I couldn't agree more, a coach is truly invaluable - even for those who ARE coaches. I wish I could afford one again...one day!

Your graph is so colorful, maybe some great wall art?!?! ;)

Keep being strong, AM! Your desire to improve constantly inspires me!

Amanda@runninghood said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Okay, you've made me think I want a coach. WE will have to e-mail privately about Tim...cost, things like that. But not sure a coach would want me TM training as much as I have to. And I refuse to wait until night to do all my runs...just too hard on me and Waylon leaves at 6:30 in the morning so too early for me to get out there (IMO). Maybe in a year or two. What exactly is considered "aerobic" run?? I had a general aerobic run planned last week and I was like "What is the difference between that and just an normal 8 miles (not recovery?). Riddle me That Pfitzinger but I couldn't find it in his book. Probably not hard to find elsewhere though.
YOU Are running so well AM. Can't wait to see this translate to some races. You bet that I'll be cheering from my home here in Oregon and you might be able to hear me! Maybe I'll record my data more too because all these graphs are just so pretty!

GetBackJoJo said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Are you with Tim W--out west Tim? Michelle's Tim? Fill me in... :)

Jennifer Harrison said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Yes indeed! As a coached athlete my whole life, I have always wondered why athletes chose not to have a coach - apart from the $ side - so I am SO glad you are getting faster, learning a ton and enjoying it!! I am not surprised!!! :) !!