Keep Calm and Run On

Today wasn't the best day. It was sunny so we ran the workout on the outdoor track. I ran 3.5 warm up (it took us a while to get outside and organized) We ran 1x1200, 2x800 at 3K pace and 3x400 at mile pace. I wanted to run 78's and was awkwardly stuck just behind the mile group and in front of the 5K group. The 1200 was fine- I ran 3:53. I didn't feel great but I did it. The next 800 was 2:34 and it felt really hard. There was wind and I was mostly by myself. The next 800 was a 2:38 and I did not feel good at all. I didn't feel any sense of rhythm or pace and was so so frustrated. Coach told me I was done so I started running miles while waiting. I ran to 9 miles and felt so frustrated the whole time. After weights, I started on my usual 4 mile run but turned back early. I didn't know why until I was at the outdoor track again. I couldn't let myself not finish no matter how crappy or slow I was. (it was a big mental struggle today) So I ran 3x400 at 72, 71, 73. It wasn't fast but I did it and felt a little better.

Ran 2 then met with Tomy to run cemetery run. My legs were tired from weights and the workout. So we went slower and just talked the whole time.

Today was an improvement from Monday. It was a gorgeous day to be outside! I loved it. We ran 2x1600 with 10 minutes recovery between. First repeat, I just ran in the pack sticking on the girl in front of me. We were 2 seconds off before the last lap, so I picked it up and finished at 5:21. The next repeat, we decided to switch pacing because of the wind. 2 girls led for the first 800 and then Laura and I moved up to finish. The first 800 didn't feel too bad and then we came around at the 800 at 2:45. Aw crap. So I moved and got Laura right with me and we pushed hard. The last lap hurt like crazy but we finished in 5:22. I ran a cool down to get to 8.5. I was super tired in weights and am happy my arms are still intact. My 4.5 after was really slow. I was tired but it was a good tired- a tired I am used to. The tired that comes from giving your best at  a workout not the other tired crap.

Ran 5 mile campus loop with Laura then ran short Carterville. It was a beautiful day to run but I was really sore and tired from yesterday.

Run with a 30 minute tempo. Being in the... more conservative group.... we started out slower but picked it up a lot the last 10 minutes. I felt good to pick it up and I felt great the last 10 minutes. We averaged 6:44.

Great long run today. It's great now that everyone's long runs are getting longer- I have less to run by myself!