Above is my second interval workout as tracked by my watch. It was 4x800m at 6:14 pace. Note how that red line (my hear rate) creeps upward as the workout progresses. That means it hurt.
A while ago, I decided that it would be a good idea to run a marathon. It still is a good idea, don't get me wrong. The plan is to train using the FIRST "3plus2" method. The method concentrates on three key running sessions supported by two non-impact days. The three days include: intervals, tempo runs, and a long run. The paces are all dictated on your best 5K pace, which set me up for a relatively fast training pace. So fast, that I highly doubt I can sustain it race day, but I will do my best to meet the training goals, however difficult. And words are all fine and dandy, but with the rubber hits the pavement it's a whole other story.
My first workout in the program was 3x1mile intervals at a 6:47/mi pace.(!) Halfway through the second mile, I wimped out and stopped. It surprised me how fast it took my body to shut down after my mind said "I hurt. Please stop." in a matter of a few steps, I stopped running. I rested a bit, and finished it out. The same thing happened to the final interval, but about three-fourths of the way through. By the time I was done, I had serious doubts about the rest of training. That weeks tempo was replaced by the Auqathon and now it was time for a long run. Life pushed it from Saturday to Monday evening. It went well until the end when I took my socks off to find some really nice blisters, one was a really nice bloody one.
So this whole training thing really isn't getting off to the best start. I talked with Justin at Endurance House about the blisters and he suggested using the "runner's knot." I tried with the second week's tempo run, but still got some hot spots. Guh. Back to the Endurance House for some new shoes.
So that gets me back to the chart above and what is the second interval workout since I missed it last week. This time, as hard as it got, I didn't quit. Maybe it was because of the halves, but I had some mental fortitude to finish out each one without stopping. And it paid off, too. I split 3:10, 3:07, 3:07, 3:09 for the four intervals, right on target. I gave myself a congratulatory clap and warmed down.
I'm eager to get to the tempo run and test the shoes on the long run. Hopefully I'll find the time while we're ripping the siding off our house.
Sweet, I love me some charts and graphs. Good work powering through that last workout - guess your knee's feeling better?
Bring on TC! Holla!
I could give you a "congratulatory clap" too, but that sounds a little like an STD.
Well done. I think you'll like the FIRST method. (for the first few weeks - then it beats you up; but I still love it)