May 14th, Tuesday

“Running fast is more fun than running slow.” ~~~Frank Shorter

My goal today was to run 4 x 1200m at 10:00 pace. That would be a comfortable 7:30 per effort.  This is a workout I have wanted to do for a while, but I have been reluctant  because of nagging leg and foot aches.  I started out filled with trepidation . It turned out I was unable to run that slow on the cinders today. This quickly became a progressive workout.  I began after about 15 minutes of movement; walking, jogging and 6 x 30 to 60 stride pickups.  I surprised myself on the first one running 6:45.  The second one, still feeling very comfortable, was 6:34.  By now I was getting a little excited and feeling more confident by the minute.  Number three was a 6:24 still feeling no physical or aerobic distress. I told myself I would try for 6:00 on the final effort if all conditions remained stable.  When I hit the 1000m mark in 5:02, I picked it up and finished the 1200m in 5:58.  I judge this to one of my best workouts to date and a good indication of my fitness level.

Note:  Running 3/4 mile repeats on the track in mid May was one of my favorite workouts for my middle distance runners back when I was coaching at North Hunterdon High School.  It always seemed to get kids excited.  They dreaded the thought of the work out, but always crushed it when they got on the track and left tired and happy .  I kind of had that experience today. It felt pretty good.