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January 23, 2007
B is for...
brutal, bone-chilling, beastly, brain-numbing...all words to describe that insufferable wicked wind from the west that blasted me every time I ran down the backstretch of the track this afternoon. Delightful really. (okay, it was awful but perhaps it made me stronger?...and no, I wasn't thinking such good thoughts when I was actually running in it. Funny how time can dull the pain... :)
Anyway, today I had a tempo run on tap and knowing that the trail (where I would normally do my tempos) was definitely going to be snow covered, I headed to the high school track instead. Unfortunately the track was also a bit icy and snowy - not the whole thing, but the far corner was not in very good shape. And then there was that wind that kept slicing through me. Did I mention that it was 19 degrees? Um yeah - I'm not so worried about global warming anymore! :)
All things considered, the tempo went pretty well. I warmed up easy for 18 minutes and then started the 30 minute tempo on the track. It was meant to be a lactate threshold run in a way so 10 minutes into the tempo I hit my lap button so I could catch my average HR for the last 20 minutes (which could later help to redefine, if needed, my running HR zones). Anyway, my goal was 6:45 pace but I started out at 6:40 pace and just kept it steady from there. I only lasted 2.5 miles on the track before I couldn't take (1) that evil wind and (2) the ice/snow that was really starting to worry me about injuries. After 2.5 miles I hit the roads and instantly felt like I was running much faster (even though I probably wasn't) because I actually had traction! Yeah for traction! :)
I felt strong thoughout the tempo. I really used to dread tempos like none other - especially ones that lasted 30 minutes - but I don't seem to mind them anymore. They are tough and require some focus for sure but also such good strength builders. I finished with another 15 minutes cooldown home for about 9 miles total in 63 minutes.
After I got home I changed and did a 30 minute plyometric session and then after a shower and some stretching...PIZZA! (I love me some pizza night!)
Life is indeed good...
Posted by beth at January 23, 2007 7:44 PM