It’s been pretty important to me to keep a day or two between training sessions. I feel like it’s what works best for my body and keeps me interested in workouts.
However, sometimes, it doesn’t work out that way, and I’ll get backlogged, which means I either shortchange myself on training or I have to double up.
In keeping with my new “fake it til you make it” philosophy, I opted to keep myself from falling behind.
On Tuesday, I had just enough time for a 5K. It was sunny and pleasant out, and I wanted to up the ante and see what I could do. Rather than slipping right into my run/walk intervals, I challenged myself to run the entire first mile and then ran the last half mile. It’s been a while since I focussed on consistent running, but since I’ve been extending myself with my fartlek workouts, it only made sense to see what I could do on a regular day.
It’s good to push the limits.
I felt really good when I was done. Really good. Like I’m getting somewhere. Which, in turn, makes me want to push harder.
This morning was a little less inviting, with 20mph gusts, dark clouds and the threat of rain. Not my favorite.
But Wednesdays are fartlek days, and the faster I got it done, the faster I could get home to a hot shower.
I’m really feeling the progress.
When I first started this routine, my lungs were burning after just a few minutes. I struggled through disgusting bouts of coughing and stabbing cramps. Not saying that all those charming side effects are 100% gone, but it is getting exponentially easier.
- 6:00 – .55 miles (10:55 pace)
- 3:00 recovery – .16 miles (18:50 pace)
- 5:00 – .53 miles (9:27 pace)
- 2:30 recovery – .13 miles (19:22 pace)
- 4:00 – .44 miles (9:08 pace)
- 2:00 recovery – .11 miles (18:47 pace)
- 3:00 – .33 miles (9:11 pace)
- 1:30 recovery – .08 miles (18:59 pace)
- 2:00 – .24 miles (8:26 pace)
- 1:00 recovery – .05 miles (20:28 pace)
- 1:00 – .13 miles (7:49 pace)
I am falling into what feels like a consistent pattern, exerting control over my pace, stepping down with each grouping, and ending with, what for me, is a pretty quick sprint.
Seeing numbers like that is a really huge boost, especially in light of how down in the dumps I’ve been feeling about my running, lately.
The Donna 5K & Family Fun Run is in ten days. I am starting to feel stronger and more ready. I’m planning to work on my tutu this weekend – the more pink, the better.
I’m still keeping an eye on my left foot. I’m not entirely sure what’s going on. It has periods of feeling fine, and then others of real discomfort. I can run through it, or at least, I have been able to so far. I’m stretching it and icing it, and I’m just generally hoping it will work itself out. The discomfort has kind of migrated from my arch to the back of my heel and sometimes, to the top of my foot. I don’t think it’s worth a doctor’s visit quite yet, but we shall see what happens. Any advice or thoughts are welcome.
What’s your “favorite” bad weather in which to run: rain, snow, ice?
Do you have a part of your body that seems particularly prone to injury or issues?
Good to see you’re getting into those fartlek workouts. They will pay off big time come race day. Great job with your training.
Haley @ running with diapers recently posted…20 Nice Things We Should Say More Often
I already feel like they are doing something. What, I’m not sure. But something.
runswithpugs recently posted…back-to-backs
You are doing a great job. Those are really fast paces for outdoors.
I always run faster on the treadmill, I guess there is that fear of flying off.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Why Did I Get a Running Coach?
Thank you, Abby! l never run on the treadmill, so I have nothing to compare to! I’m working hard and can only hope it pays off!
runswithpugs recently posted…happy valentine’s day!
Can I please steal that quote, “It’s a good day to push limits.”? I love that and want to plaster it everywhere!
Congratulations on getting back to feeling contestant! Without a doubt that is the single most important and difficult part of running for me. I hope your foot holds, it is so easier to maintain the momentum than start all over!
As far as a doctor, why not? It only takes an hour or so of your time, but my o my, neglecting an injury led me to not run for almost a year! I would hate that to ever happen to anyone else!
Fingers crossed for your foot girl!
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.wordpress.com recently posted…Eating and Running – Still Figuring It Out (Part II)
Steal and plaster to your heart’s content!
The foot is doing better. Not sure why, but I’m not asking questions.
I kind of have a bit of white coat syndrome. This past year has been full of procedures and tests and appointments, and unless it’s something really serious, I just don’t think I can do another one.
runswithpugs recently posted…back-to-backs
I don’t like any of those options for bad weather, but even though I hate snow, I’d choose that over rain or ice. I just hate them all, though! My IT band and hamstring are particularly injury prone. It sure stinks!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…Falling in Love with Yourself
I think it would be fun to run in snow. For like two minutes. And then go back inside. Because I’m a wimp that way.
runswithpugs recently posted…back-to-backs
I really need to do speed work once I can run again!
I have the Princess Half (10k on Sat & Half on Sunday), then a half the following weekend, and then a 15k two weekends after that. And I haven’t run once since the marathon–all due to injury. I feel like I’m always a walking injury! Grr!
Andrea recently posted…Giveaway–2 Flavor Run Entries!
Ugh! I wish you were feeling better! I hate that you have been injured for so long
I hope you are ok for the next few races. Be careful! I’m thinking of you.
runswithpugs recently posted…back-to-backs
Go girl! I’m with you….I like having a day in between my runs, but when that’s not possible I just try to keep one of them on the easy side.
Lindsey recently posted…Week FIFTEEN!
Sometimes, it’s all you can do
runswithpugs recently posted…back-to-backs
I don’t like running days in a row either. Maybe someday I’ll be a strong enough runner to do it, but for now, it’s how I roll. I’ve struggled with enough knee issues to know I need to spread it out. I agree with Ann above re: seeing a doctor. Or even going to a good running store with your shoes. They might be able to point something out, like if you strike different on your left foot or something. Maybe a certain shoe insert on that side would help. Better to be safe than sorry – and better to keep running healthy!
Larissa recently posted…Olympic motivation
That’s a good idea about the insert. My foot has actually been feeling better today. Not sure why. I kind of felt like it needed to be cracked? And then maybe I managed to do so? I guess I’ll see how tomorrow plays out.
runswithpugs recently posted…back-to-backs
Way to get it done!!! I think I prefer overcast skies to direct sun but I’d take sun over rain, especially if it’s pouring!
Kristen @ The Smith Summary recently posted…Quiet Around These Parts
I don’t mind sun. Sun and 98 degrees is hard, but sun on its own.
runswithpugs recently posted…back-to-backs
Snow for sure, then rain, and ice is stupid!
Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides recently posted…What I’m Loving Lately, the Food Edition
LOL! I think they are all pretty stupid, quite frankly. It’s amazing I run outside at all, considering how i feel about nature.
runswithpugs recently posted…back-to-backs