« 31:12 . . . Not Quite the Shuffle I Was Anticipating | Main | TUUUUMMMMBBBBBLLLLLEEEE »
March 31, 2007
Half Mile Repeats
Thank you so much for all of the beautiful comments! I wasn't too sure that I would receive any feedback since I had abandonded this page for so long . . . I always forget how amazing and warm the running community and culture is (as eccentric and strange as it can be, it always feels like "home" to me). I also need to give a shout to Corrado for being the most faithful blog reader, and to Katie (we need to talk, sister!!!).
This week has marked another build back week. I ran an easy 7 on Monday, but I think my adrenaline from the race was still pulsing through my body - I started out rolling away 6:45s like they were 8:00s. Not to worry, though, I pulled back and kept myself under control :) I took Tuesday off. I ran a progression run on Wednesday starting at 8:00 pace and working down to sub 6:30. I took Thursday off and I ran 9 "butters" slow miles on Friday.
Today I met my new crew at a neat place called "Bunker Hill" to run a couplel of halfs. We did a 2 mile warm-up and then the rest of the workout was to run a continuous 6 mile route alternating hard/not as hard halfs. My assignment was to run the first half sub 3:15 and then run the second half at a reasonable pace that would keep me under 7:00 for the mile as a whole. I did the first half with J, K, and H in 3:10 and finished the mile under 7:00 and then launched into the next half and ended up running alone in 2:58. The next four pretty much repeated that: all of my halfs were around 2:58, and then I finished the final one in 2:53. I was surprised to feel refreshed and comfortable the entire workout . . . in fact, I keep waiting to wake up from what seems like a really cool dream. After so many years of struggling with my running, it seems to be coming together - FINALLY. (knock on wood). Whatever is going on, I don't want to wake up any time soon!!
I am meeting J. tomorrow for an easy 15 (if the thunder storms wait to tumble in until after 10:30 . . . when we will be done running). I'm looking forward to finishing another strong week, but I am not looking forward to returning to school on Monday. I would write about that inferno, but I don't have the energy to descend into it anymore. It's been an extremely tough and difficult year for too many reasons that I do not care to divulge. Let's just say I am BEYOND ecstatic to put this chapter of my life behind me on May 15th. I need a break from academia; it can be a *really* creepy and daunting place!
Posted by bridget at March 31, 2007 6:54 PM
Comments
Welcome back! I'm thrilled that things are going so well for you and it's great to read the updates again. It's amazing that you've turned things around so dramatically (from injury to this), and I hope you only continue to improve, and you enjoy doing it.
Posted by: Alison at March 31, 2007 10:25 PM
ditto Alison and consider... when things get knotted there's always the possibility to take a nice walk to unwind :-)
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at April 1, 2007 4:46 PM
i am soo happy for you, bridget, and so glad to hear you are doing so well! after all of the patience you've shown, you deserve some good running days!!
Posted by: katie at April 1, 2007 11:59 PM
Bridget! So happy to see you here again. My goodness your life sounds harried ad stressful and full of too much stuff! I'm so glad you have found time for running and that you feel peace about it again. Yeah for being healthy! I look forward to keeping track of you again!
Posted by: Meghan at April 2, 2007 9:43 AM
Yes, welcome back! As I continue to struggle with my injuries I am inspired by your current smooth sailing, at least in the world of running. Have no fear, May 15 is not too far away...
Posted by: becky at April 3, 2007 4:32 PM
hello! i echo the sentiments! i'm glad you're doing so well. as someone who got no sleep last night and has only had coffee in pretzels in way too many hours, i feel your academia pressures :) take care of yourself and yeah for your impending finish!
Posted by: Audrey at April 6, 2007 9:27 AM
OH Welcome back Bridget...it is nice to have you up & running in more ways than one...again...
Thanks for a wonderful Easter/ Basket...it is ALWAYS wonderful to see my favorite runner...
lots of love
MOM
xxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Mom at April 9, 2007 3:24 PM