Sunday, May 15, 2011

Call me crazy but...

...I'll take 40 degrees, windy, and pouring rain over sunny and 85 any day for a run!
Yesterday was my first day back in Rochester. I went to the gym with my parents after church, and got some weightlifting in - the first time in a month. After lunch, I knew I wanted to get in a long run and return to double digits.
It was absolutely pouring rain - 40 degrees and a 17mph headwind - not Boston weather, definitely. But not DC weather either - 80 and humid. We have had some hot days that made me say "Get me outta here" and wish for cooler weather! But Sunday's long run was awesome. Once you get soaked, that is it, you can't get any more wet. So I just went out and enjoyed myself. No traffic, rolling hills, no cars to reckon with. It was perfect. I managed to keep 8 minute pace too. I burst into the door afterwards, drenched and exhilarated. My parents thought I was crazy, but I felt absolutely invigorated. It was a good way to end the week. This past week was recovery week 4 from Boston, aka the return to normal running...
Monday: 8 miles
Tuesday: 5 miles including 4 x 800 (between 1:40-1:45 pace), then 2 miles plus plyometrics
Wednesday: 7 miles
Thursday: 1 mile warm up - 1 mile trial
I haven't tried doing a mile trial in 8 months. I asked a friend of mine from grad school to pace me (he can run like a 19 minute 5k). My PR from August was 6:07, and while I didn't know how fast I could go, I knew I would improve from last year. It was a bit on the hot side, but I decided to just go for it and see what happens - I would only be uncomfortable for about 6 minutes, right?
We went through the first lap in 1:25. Oh my gosh, I don't think I've ever ran 1:25 for 400, period. We'll see what happens! 800 in 2:57 - okay, sub 6 may be possible. Then the dreaded 3rd lap - 4:30. Oo, this is going to be tight. I ended up finishing in 6:02 - a PR! It would've been nice to break 6, but I know that under the right conditions, I will very soon.
Friday: 6 miles
Saturday: Moving day
Sunday: AM Weights, PM 10 mile run
Total: 40 miles - that feels like normal mileage!

This Sunday there is a 5k/10k race for the Lilac Festival in Rochester. I have 2 options: run the 5k and break a year old PR (21:53). Or, run the 10k with someone who I run really well with? I am doing another 10k in June (NY Mini 10k), so I will have the chance to run a 10k again soon. I don't know when I'll do another 5k. Any recommendations? Feel free to weigh in!

1 comment:

  1. Oh, I don't think you're crazy. Really, I don't.... no really.

    Sincerely,

    The man that just ran a 197 mile relay race

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