A Passion for Running

Now that I’ve set out some goals, it’s become obvious I need to step up my mental game. This morning was case in point…

Last night I went to bed hungry and knowing I was doing speed work in the morning but did I do anything about it? NooOOoo!

This morning I woke up still hungry. No big surprise. I tried to eat a granola and yogurt bar but only managed 1/2 of it before my stomach said, “sorry – too early – that’s enough”.

I met Tom at Scona track where we did some good work in the rain (I love running in the rain!). The plan had been to do a 2-miler followed by one or two 1-milers but Tom suggested we try an 3-miler. Three miles is roughly 5k and I’ve been curious to see how fast I could do a 5k so I agreed to give it a shot.

We aimed for 7 minute miles and headed out just a tad fast in the first 400 meter lap. The first mile went well and we came in at 6:55 so we continued pushing into the second mile. It got very tough. I felt mentally strong but there simply wasn’t anything in the tank and my breathing was all over the place. By the half way point of mile two, I knew there’d be no 3 mile interval for me and decided to finish the 2-miler and then follow-up with some shorter intervals.

I had to battle to finish the 2-miler strong but finally it was over in 14:05. I guess that’s okay considering I’d never run a 2 mile interval but I was still a bit disappointed at the lost opportunity to test my 5k time.

After finishing the two miles, I jogged lightly for 400 meters and did another mile at 7:06. Then, Tom and I hooked up again for a final 800 meter/half-mile interval. We smoked on that one so it was good to finish the day strong but I should have ate DAMMIT because I know from experience eating probably would have made a big difference and perhaps I’d have been able to do the three-miler.

So a lesson learned or, more accurately, a lesson re-learned since this is not new knowledge and I’ve learned that after each marathon there is a period of low intensity. Low in terms of training, low in terms of watching the diet, sleep patterns – everything. Friends and I seem to agree this is necessary since we feel you just can’t maintain that level of commitment year-round or you’ll burn out. I suppose if running was your JOB, that argument wouldn’t hold water but for weekend warriors, I think its a fair statement.

Anyway, I’ve had my mental break and seem to be on the upswing. Setting those goals the other day certainly seems to have been the catalyst – nothing like some races to get you back in the saddle.

Next week I’ll eat some pasta before heading to bed!