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September 15, 2005
Track workout in the dark
I wrote this on Tuesday after my workout, but I'm just getting around to posting it.
After hitting the snooze button on three different alarms several times, I finally got my butt out of bed and on the road by 5:40am. I warmed up for ~2.75 miles by running over to the local high school track. It was in the 50s, my perfect running weather, and my legs weren’t feeling tired at all. Until I started the workout, that is. I was supposed to do six longer intervals at 5k pace, but after one 1200 and an attempt at a second that only got me 500m in, my legs felt like they were sputtering. And my hips were feeling tight as well. I wanted to do some more faster running, though, so I decided on 4 x 400. I ran between 90 and 97 seconds and felt strong, even though it was faster than any 5k I have ever run. My hat’s off to those of you who do solo track workouts, especially longer intervals, regularly. It takes a lot of focus and discipline, which I happened to be lacking on this day. The track where our club usually does weekly workouts is under repair, so unless I can recruit some runners for a splinter group in the suburbs, I'm on my own. Waaaa....
I took yesterday off to read for school. We have an interactive group project this semester in which we run a digital camera business. We have to make strategic decisions about the business - design of the cameras, which markets to take stake in, advertising, pricing, etc. - and compete against other groups to determine who’s ultimately most profitable. It sounds pretty cool.
But back to running...this afternoon my plan is to lift and run 8 miles on the treadmill with some faster running at the end. It's yucky humid outside and the bottom of right foot (arch) has been hurting again. I replaced my year-old Superfeet inserts yesterday, which were looking a bit flimsy. Maybe that'll make my foot feel better. R. and I are running another half marathon on Sunday - our one year anniversary - as part of a 20-mile training run, so I want to make sure my legs are fresh. Many of my non-running friends and acquaintances think that it's totally unromantic to be running on one's anniversary, but I beg to differ. We met through our running club and ran a marathon together up Grandfather Mountain when we first started dating. We have a lot of great times in our athletic pursuits, so it's more than appropriate for us. Besides, we're going to Hershey and we'll get to do other non-running things like see the sights and eat chocolate. :)
Posted by Leilani at September 15, 2005 03:30 PM
Comments
Wow, I think that is sooo cool that you met thru your common interest in athletics (but then, I am a nerd!). In fact, Grandfather Marathon has always intrigued me. Was it fun, and would you recommend it?? And by the way congrats on your anniversary!
Posted by: Dawn at September 15, 2005 04:49 PM
I know what you mean, I can't do track workouts by myself. Dang, I was hoping you guys were going to PDR when you said you were running a half this weekend. Happy Anniversary! It's cool that you do all sorts of athletic things together, I just wish my track club had some younger, single guys in it to meet, but no....
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at September 15, 2005 08:48 PM
Good luck in Harrisburg! Too bad I don't live closer or I could finally meet another blogger... :) You will have lots of fun at Hershey. The whole town smells like chocolate (I lived there briefly) and that is ALWAYS a good thing. :)
O and I also do lots of sports stuff together. On our first anniversary we took a trip to Baltimore to run a race together and see a baseball game. Have a great time and happy anniversary!
Posted by: Beth at September 16, 2005 08:46 AM
Lei & Rob - Happy Anniversary!!! Wow, has it been one year, already??? Where has all this time gone?! The summer FLEW by....
You do what you both want to do on your anniversary - don't let anyone's opinion change that! At least you have an anniversary to celebrate, unlike me :(
BTW, thanks for the Six Flags invite... I'm actually already going *tomorrow* for MY company picnic! What a coincidence, huh? :) So, two weekends in a row might be a bit much. I promise not to wear my hoochie heels in the water park and embarrass myself in front of my co-workers :)
Besides, I've already made plans to go to Blocktoberfest in Ballston next weekend. A few good bands are playing, including Sharif! **hmm, THAT's where my summer went! hehehe** Perhaps after Six Flags, if you guys aren't too pooped, you can come out to the Ballroom for the post-Blocktoberfest party. This is Sharif's last weekend in the area. He is moving to NYC this week :(
Posted by: Sherry at September 16, 2005 10:50 AM
happy anniversary!!! please, it would be seriously weird if you guys didn't go running or something together as part of the celebration :) enjoy!!!
Posted by: Audrey at September 16, 2005 11:50 PM
I think that's a great way to spend your anniversary! Happy, happy anniversary and good luck racing as well!
Posted by: MandM at September 19, 2005 01:55 AM