Friday, August 8, 2008

Friday Follies

Thursday Evening Running Group:

Last night was the beloved running group. This is a semi-coached group led by an excellent athlete and really nice guy. I arrived a little early and was questioning the running schedule he gave me for the next few months. The long runs looked a little short given the half marathon in 4 weeks or so. He replies, I thought you were doing the 10K and the half in October. Nope, I'm doing the half each time. A little rearranging of the schedule for the next couple of weeks and we're good to go. He tells me the first one is practice, the second one is for a PR (actually he gave me a number that I think is unachievable from this body, but whatever). Sounds like a plan.

We did a 15min cool up, 4x5min hard efforts with 2 min walk/jog in between, 15min cool-down. He tells me "I want you out of your comfort zone. Really work hard. Run fast." He ran the first two with me to push me along at a little harder effort than I would do on my own. You can really see it in the numbers: 8:37 (no, not a typo), 9:06, 9:48, 9:42. You can see my pace slipped back to something much more comfortable when I didn't have the extra push. It was a good workout and I thanked him afterwards.

Friday Morning Swim & Core:

I've discovered that running hard at night causes me to wake up feeling not so fresh for my morning workout. Go figure. Despite this, I went out for a planned 800yd easy swim over at the new aquatic center. Left the watch at home so as not to be tempted to go fast. It felt good. I bought a 15 punch pass that's good for 3 months and plan to swim there until it runs out.

Came home and worked through the evil core stuff that Trainer guy gave me. OUCH. I have a long way to go.

Saturday Planning:

Oh yeah, have I mentioned that I have a race tomorrow which happens to be my first multisport event of the year, a sprint tri? So about that...

I guess I really need to get ready for this. I was going to clean my bike chain, but I'm feeling kind of lazy so maybe not. I will put air in the tires. I think I know what I'm going to wear and have a gu sitting out. Need to mix up some accelerade and stick it in the freezer, I plan to put it on my bike. Changed the laces in my running shoes and tested it out. Still need to get everything together and pack up the car. Don't want to forget anything. We're planning to leave at stupid o'clock in the morning and there won't be time to turn around if I've forgotten something.

I would be remiss if I didn't put my race goals in writing. Sure, I would like to better my time from 2006, but I'm not going to bust my tail to make sure that happens. Instead, what I'm really shooting for (yes this is vain) is some decent race photos. Seriously. I figure this will require that I truly have fun out there. So that's my main goal. Also to come home with a decision about what to do in September. Sound wimpy? Too bad. It's my life, not yours. ;-P

Catch you on the flip side. Get out there and have fun everyone!!

11 comments:

  1. Good luck this weekend!

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  2. Nice job on the speed work.

    I am so in awe of those of you who can swim, bike AND run. Between drowning and/or falling off the bike, I don't think I'd be terribly successful at a tri.

    Good luck tomorrow on the race.

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  3. Wimp!

    Ha ha am only kidding! Have a great weekend and enjoy the race!! fun fun fun!!

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  4. Good luck getting up at stupid o'clock in the morning!! :O)

    Your funny!!!!

    Good times too!!

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  5. Good luck with the race this weekend! I'm SO gonna use "stupid o'clock" from now on!

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  6. Oh I love your goal to get great pictures! Awesome! Have fun out there :)

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  7. First, good luck this weekend! I can't wait to read how it went - and I love the idea of getting good pics :-)
    Your leader for the running group sounds like he's ready to push you all. Wow on your pace - I'd say you met the challenge out of your comfort zone! (And hey, give yourself credit on the goal pace/result he set)
    Core stuff is indeed evil. My trainer tries to mix it up though... I'll post more on my blog about his various means of torture (kidding, it really does help a bit with the variety...) Your swim sounds solid though, feeling good is one of the best indicators.

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  8. If you are open to being pushed, I say GO FOR IT! Go for that number you think is unachievable.

    I only say that cause I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone myself. It is NOT easy, at least not for me.

    Your tri should be over by now. Can't wait to read how you did!

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  9. Good luck on the race! Working out with a coach seems like such a good idea - I should look into that!

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  10. Sounds like the coach is a great help. It sounds like if you follow his plan and get out of your comfort zone you may be surprised how doable that second time is

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