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April 20, 2006
Hot, Hot, Hot!
Today was the first day that I would actually classify as hot. I would not complain if it stayed like this throughout the summer, there was virtually no humidity. The problems that we have with the heat come with the stifling humidity, so when the air is completely dry like it was today, it really doesn't feel all that bad.
I didn't do a morning run this morning, although the thought did cross my mind. I was having quite a bit of trouble sleeping and was up, so I seriously considered going out for a shake out. I made up my mind that if I was still up in an hour I would go out, but if I fell back to sleep that meant it was not meant to be. My alarm was set for not running, and I did manage to get back to sleep. Tired legs is a sign that it is time to start to cut mileage some and having a race this weekend is another reason to cut back. This isn't a peak race by any means, but I do want to run well.
Tonight's workout pretty much is the start of the change in our workouts. Up until now all of our workouts have been push and cruise. Now some of our workouts are faster than race pace with slower recoveries. Tonight, for example, was 1600-1200-800-400 with 800 jogs. The workout was supposed to start at 5K pace and then drop at least a second per quarter after that. We started out too fast and had to go from there. We hit the 1600 in 5:50. I made the mistake of trying to push and cruise and did my recovery entirely too fast, like a 3:30, and fell apart on the 1200. The group caught me at the very end of it, so we averaged the same time for the recovery and the interval. I learned my lesson and stayed with the group for the rest of the workout, even if the recovery felt a touch slow. We did the 800 in 2:51 and I pulled an 80 out of somewhere for the 400. My legs have not moved that fast in several years, it's probably close to an adult PR for me! I will say that this workout is a confidence booster for Sunday's race.
Some random things that I'm not sure how to tie in to anything:
-I checked out Alison's new site at work today. I can't really do too much looking around on it at home since we have dial-up and it takes entirely too long to really read any of the articles. I always appreciated her work at fast-women and men's racing, she found more articles than I have ever been able to find. I'm looking forward to checking out her site on a regular basis.
-I spent a good deal of time today trying to figure out how to track people in the London Marathon. It probably doesn't matter since by the time I get home from my race and the time difference, the race will be over by the time I can get to a computer on Sunday. I do want to see how my host from my trip, C, does as well as B and G who were surrogate hosts. If anyone knows how to do it, please let me know!
-I need to pay more attention to stretching. My right foot is prone to some plantar and I can feel it trying to rear it's ugly head. Part of it is completely my fault. I haven't been stretching and I've been wearing terrible shoes for work. Since my days are not spent running up and down the stairs, I've been wearing higher and skinnier heels on a regular basis. Terrible for my feet, but oh, so cute!
Posted by Blondie at April 20, 2006 08:17 PM
Comments
wow, i totally wear non-cute shoes b/c of my bunion and i don't wear heels unless i'm wearing a formal dress. that's amazing :) take care of the feet!!!
Posted by: Audrey at April 20, 2006 09:32 PM
I also never wear heels - they kill my arches. Unless I am going somewhere I will be looking fabulous and sitting the entire night.
Good luck this weekend!!
Posted by: barb at April 21, 2006 11:28 AM
Sweet workout!!! I am so excited for your racing season to begin . . .
Good luck on Sunday :)
P.S. Do you think Deena can win it in London and crack 2:20?
Posted by: bridget at April 21, 2006 01:56 PM