Intervals and New Music

Had a really good speed session today. I needed to get in 8x400 workout, but time only allowed for 6x400. I completed all 400 sets at 7.0mph or 8:32 mile with recovery at 6.0. I can't believe how good this pace felt. Very manageable. I told Greg it's got to be the biking and the addition of squats/lunges. Next week I'll be tackling 800s and I'm going to see if I can hold this same pace for longer intervals.

On a music note, I'm listening to the new album from Red Hot Chili Peppers. Love this group ad I'm really enjoying what I'm hearing so far!

Loving My Training Partner - Garmin

Sunday, I gave speedwork a try. Is that even the right word, "try"? Hmmm...whatever. I ran my ass off in my own little mind. I started out with a nice one mile warm-up followed by 4x400m intervals. I "tried" to go a little faster than 10k pace and I felt good about my four intervals. I hit each one around 2:02-2:04. Might sound slow to you, but I was buzzed about it. I'd like to break two minutes, obviously, but for my first venturing this year, I'll take it and build off of it. I couldn't believe how heavy the legs felt on the first one, how good the legs felt on 2 and 3, and how 4 couldn't come soon enough?! Boy, have I missed that feeling! I have a 10k coming up in 30 days and I'm hoping to hit a 9:30 pace so I can finish sub one hour. I finished my speed workout by logging in another 2 miles post-speedwork and kept a 9:40-9:50 pace.

What I'm really loving is the focus that Garmin gives. Before, I would log in 11-ish minute miles and feel good, thinking (sometimes foolishly) that I could run 10-minute miles during races. I love the instant feedback that Garmin gives me and I'm finding I'm getting more and more competitive while training. I actually get a little bothered when I go over 10s. I'm also finding out that keeping below 10 is not overly exerting me, which I think means it's where I should be. Garmin's also driving me nuts because I can't end a workout on 3.99 miles. Are you f-ing kidding me, I've got to end on an even 4. *sigh*

Today's guilty pleasure: Easter candy. Today, I sampled a mini Reese egg (not the normal, yummy-sized egg), a Starburst, and a hershey's kiss in the pastel wrapper. If Peeps were within striking distance, I would have ravished through them as well. Love me some Easter candy!

On a final note, Way to Go Elizabeth on your Boston Marathon finish!

Speed Workout Tonight

Okay, so it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I did a short interval workout of a warm up, 4x400 with 400 recovery, and cool down. My goal was sub 2:15 and I surprised myself with 1:57, 1:59, 1:56 and 1:54. Total distance tonight was 3 miles. Not bad. By mid-October I would like to be in the 1:40-1:45 range. Tonight was also fun because I got to watch my two girls playing on the football field playing kickball, laughing and running back and forth. It was a great way to spend an evening!

CrossFit Update

Back from Vacation and quickly moved into our second week of CrossFit...should be our 3rd week, but we were on vacation during week 2 and will make it up the lost time later in the program. The class was for 1 hour on Saturday morning and, as of this afternoon, neither Greg or I can move. My thighs ache as if I had just finished a marathon (you know, can't go down a set of stairs without saying "Oowh"). My arms are useless and I just want to sit for long periods! Thank goodness I got my long run out of the way on Friday. My tempo run is not looking promising for Sunday afternoon.

We did a "circuit" which consisted of rowing, squats, box jumps, push ups, and situps. We were timed and had to complete as many of each of these activities for 20 seconds, with a 10 second rest, 8 times for each, then shout out our numbers. I was lucky I didn't fall off the box when jumping on and off with my amazing agility! I really can't believe how exhausted this made me...and Greg is in the same boat! Best of all (or worst of all), we get to do all of this AGAIN to see if we've improved any as we progress through the program. I still can't believe I VOLUNTARILY signed up for this??!!

Interval Training is not for Sissies!

It hurts..can be devastating to look at your watch and see your splits...while at the same time feeling so worthwhile. I have never been a fan of interval training and, consequently, was never consistent (translation: did it one time, it hurt, I quit). That might explain my mediocre half marathon finish times. But this race training is different. I have made a date with myself (it's in my calendar!) and I'm not breaking my Tuesday "date" time. I can't wait to shed seconds from my 400s! I'll keep you posted...