An Olympic Boost

It has been a hectic week.  I’ve been feeling the pressure of work which makes me a little less focused on training.  I finished the week mentally drained.  For me running is more mental than physical.  More often than not it is my attitude, not my body, that dictates my will to run.  What I needed was a little boost.  A little encouragement.  Some inspiration.  And I got it in the form of the Houston Olympic Trials.

Honestly, I just enjoy watching elite athletes run their races.  It gives me energy and pure motivation.  I am not at all saying that I could ever been in their league, but to strive for my own personal best, well there is something truly beautiful in that.  The amazing talents we have in our US long distance running today is unbelievable.  I was elated to see the top 3 men and top 3 ladies get their spots on the Olympic team, but I was equally heart broken for Dathan and Amy’s emotional 4th place finish.  The agony and defeat however does not trump the victories.  They do however provide the constant reminders of how hard a 26.2 mile journey truly is.      

Keeping Pace: Boston Training

I am following the Hanson’s Less Is More Plan where speed, strength and tempo sessions combined with shorter long runs will help marathoners of all abilities run a better race.  The ( ) shows what is on schedule for the day, however I am not out to run 6 days a week so I am a bit more flexible.  My goal is to increase to 5 days per week half way through the schedule. 

Week 5:

Monday: (0-6 miles)

Usually a day to get in some strength training, but today I took the day off.  My body spoke and I listened.

Tuesday: (Speed)

When I woke up, I heard the rain.  My first thought was for safety, wet streets and speed work is just a disaster waiting to happen.  I opted to stay in and get in my strength workout instead.  Decided on Jillian Michaels Shred with Weight level 2 with kettle bell.  It was a challenge, but I liked it.  When I found out that it was not just rain, but ice outside I was so happy I was flexible with my workout schedule. 

Wednesday: (Off)

Got my speed workout in today.  I could not face the same loop again, so I switched it up and found a new half mile which I like a whole lot better.  I even added another rotation making it 5×800. 

Thursday: MP6

Work has been hectic creating a little more stress than I would like and I gave into the pressure by staying in bed this morning skipping a workout all together.  Real mature I know, but sometimes I just want to throw the covers back over my head and stay there all day.  This was one of those days.  Just so you know, I did actually get up and get myself to work on time. 

Friday: (3-6)

Ran Thursday’s MP6.  Hit my goal pace for the 2nd week in a row!  (6mi in 53 min at 8:49)

Saturday: (8-12 at 45-60 seconds slower than MP)

12 miles in 1:50 at 9:12 pace.  Took on an old route that I’ve not been on for probably close to a year.  I would consider it rolling out but there is a long, steady incline on the way back.  I am trying to cover as much varied terrain as possible.  It was a challenge, but I am comfortable with this pace and overall effort.

Sunday: (4-6)

6 miles at 9:09 – Ok, this was seriously the hardest run for winter 2012 to date.  BRRRR! It was 26 with a wind chill of 1 degree.  Funny thing was my legs felt so relaxed for having just run 12 miles yesterday.  I will take that away as my positive of the day.

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Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4