Thursday, March 27

Ouch!

“This evening I ran what was arguably the most debilitating workout that I hope never to attempt again”

I’ll be brief because I’m dead tired, and sleep is something that has been severely lacking from my schedule the last few days. On a day in Victoria where the weather changed hourly, my run was completed under skies that threw hail and spat sleet, only to finish under a shining spring sunset.

Still, I was cold.

Two minutes after returning home my lips were blue and I was shaking uncontrollably. If nothing else, I’ll be forever grateful to Ally for running a bath and making 3L of Gatorade. I love this girl!

The workout was simple, a Canova classic or so I was told… x-miles tempo with equal rest in minutes. I can’t be bothered to list the mile splits at the moment (tomorrow) but I assure you I cruised the first 5 miles at closer to 10k pace, only to maintain with 3 of the next 4 on a similar path. Mile 9 was interesting, it was then I realized the error in my ways but thought to myself, “hell, I only have 3, 2 & 1 remaining… right”. The 3-mile interval was solid, the 2-miler something desperate and the last mile incapacitating.

I thoroughly recommend everyone try this at least once.

Training:
Wednesday: day off (unscheduled)
Thursday: 2:07:08 with 5-miles tempo (5’) + 4-miles tempo (4’) + 3-miles tempo (3’) + 2-miles tempo (2’) + 1-mile tempo

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you not like yourself? That sounds like a torturous workout! Grab a pint--you earned it.

Thomas said...

I disagree with Eric - sounds like a great workout. But I don't think I'll try that during my taper...

Eric said...

Thomas *enjoys* brutally hilly four hour runs in wind and rain! He's obviously insane, so disregard him.

Where's that baby?? Any chance of an April 8 delivery?

Michael said...

Yeah, the run was epic… and if you can convince yourself to try it, I think it would be a good marathon session. If not, it’ll be good for a laugh. Eric you nailed it, the best part of the evening (apart from regaining some feeling) was joining Ally at our local as one of her friends was leaving… I thoroughly enjoyed two delicious pints of Beacon IPA.

The baby is due April 10, which seems like an eternity. So to answer your question, yes, a very real chance. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

You will both be happy to know that today I enjoyed (?) a ten mile, point-to-point, sleet filled run into a dastardly northern wind. Have a great weekend!

Chris said...

I just the way that post reads...

Love2Run said...

Brutal workout. Even at marathon pace that would be a killer but you go and turn down the screws a few more notches. Nice job and well earned beers!

Chris said...

HA HAHA!!

Sorry, I just LOVE the way that post reads...it was a great little read.

Grellan said...

Very interesting workout - tiring to read about let alone complete. Where did it come from and if it is a legitimate workout what was "the error in my ways"? - sounds like the pace was too fast.

Michael said...

It's a Canova workout that has been picked up by Daniels' and yes, my first 5+ miles were faster than I intended.

If reasonably fit, I think it would make a great marathon prep workout but it�s tough. It�s one of those sessions that sneaks up on you slowly.