Saturday, February 2

Do not try this at home

My legs feel… I’m not entirely sure how they feel. And I’m unsure whether my uncertainty is due to mental fatigue or physical. Numb, if I could feel them, yes my legs would feel numb.

I met my group this morning, their enthusiasm always unexpected and refreshing. After a few pleasantries, introductions for two new members, we began to loop our way through Oak Bay and Fairfield, traversing along Brighton and up the 100-stairs to King George Terrace. The entire morning I’d been feeling off and attempted to run at the rear in the hope of suffering alone, it didn’t work. I dropped them off at the store 1h20 later and then headed down to Beacon Hill Park entertaining the idea of beginning my own workout. What was I thinking?

I was to run 6xmile tempo, but as I made my way down I was desperately trying to convince myself why I should even attempt one… this was not going to be fun. I kept the warm-up short and sweet, a combination of heel-kicks and high-knees and then I was off. The first interval felt like utter crap, running with forced strides and no rhythm. I meant to hit 5:50s and was very surprised as I passed the crosswalk in 5:48. Every subsequent interval I told myself this was it, the last one… I clearly don’t take what “I” have to say seriously. This session was all about putting one foot in front of the other and “not” thinking: 5:48, 5:47, 5:49, 5:54, 5:50, 5:51.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Training: 2:07:04 with 6xmile tempo (1’)

8 comments:

Eric said...

This is an interesting workout. Definitely a character builder! Good work.

Love2Run said...

Mind over matter! It truly is amazing what you're capable despite feeling less than on top of your game. A run to remember in the heat of the next race.

Unknown said...

I agree with Mike. Sometimes the best, or at least good, workouts emerge at times where we feel off. The body is obviously ready for whatever you are throwing at it, but there seems to be a malaise in the air for I am feeling it too. But, we get out the door, as you said, one foot in front of the other, and the body will be there.

Good on ya for a tough one today.

Grellan said...

It's this stubborness that pays back dividends when you need it most. Just make sure the utter crap feeling is not carried into next week.

I felt the same way in todays run - but the body still curns out the miles as if on autopilot.

Michael said...

The w/o was the 6xmile (1'), I�ve done that before but not with a 1h20 warm-up, and not when feeling like crap. Still, I survived but hope to avoid combining clinic runs and my workouts in the future. I�ll try storing my stubbornness and determination for next weekends race. Enjoy the weekend, me, I�m just about to head out for a longer run (no mile repeats this time around).

Unknown said...

I was doing that type or warmup when I was in full training for the ENDURrun (www.endurrun.com). They are tough ones, but as Grellan said, pays off when you need it most. So two things...

1. Come do the ENDURrun.
2. I am running long soon as well. Want to come over and run together?

Michael said...

... but you're better than me!

I'd love to come over and run but with the girl pregnant, and having had two recent unplanned hospital visits, it�d best stay closer to home.

Say, with Hicham training for a late May marathon (and me pretending to train for Ottawa), how about coming over here for a mini-training camp? Come on!

UMaine Cooperative Extension said...

That is what it is all about - not thinking, just doing.

Great job on getting it done! A fine example of what it takes to excel in this sport - thanks.