Keep Calm and Run On

After a fun day of touring and exploring, we ended in Playa Del Carmen for a sunset run. It was super crowded where we were and Richie needed to find a hotel so I just ran laps at a park. It was 400 meters around and a long night of laps to get my miles. But I felt really good after sleeping better last night. 

A.M. Ran 4 miles around the same park as last night

P.M. We got to our hotel in Cancun and did a night run of 6 miles

Today was pretty crappy. I ran a 2 mile warm up then planned to do a tempo run. There is a path right outside the hotel that goes up the hotel strip in Cancun and great for running. Start running and it is so windy. I start into the wind and it's not going too great. I turned around 2 miles out hoping to feel better and I felt worse. My whole body just hurt and felt so heavy and tired. I finished a 30 minute tempo that was much slower than I wanted. I was determined to get my long run and finished the miles but I am SO HAPPY to be done running in Mexico. It was hard to get runs in and knowing where to run. 

Today's run was much better. We had a 9 hour layover in L.A. My borhter lives there and picked us up for the day. I had a nice run on a wood chip trail with 10 strides in the middle. It was a nice little breather run trying to prepare myself to go home and jump back into track. It is intimidating for me to get through track workouts but I need to get over that. One day at a time. 

Mileage day. First day back from a long vacation is a little rough. 

One more day recovery before workout. 

I had to run the workout by myself today. It was hard but in someways it was good. It build my confidence in pacing myself and focus in on what I need to do. I did 2 lappers at 3K pace with 3 minutes rest. I wanted to hit 2:10 and prepped myself to do 5. I hit 2:09 for the first 4 then the last one, I could just tell I was done and finished at 2:13. I am happy the first workout back is done- ice is broken and it went much better than the workout a week ago. 

After class I ran 4 more. 

I was really tired today from workout. Easy day

Today was hard. I had the last treadmill test- a long run at 7.8 mph. I felt okay for the first hour then started feeling like crap. I wanted to make it to 12 miles for a long run but it was mental battle to get there. When I finished, I was so light headed and woozy. We had to fast before coming in and that really got to me. I did 3 more after eating to finish mileage. 

I didn't feel too bad today after a rough Saturday. We ran 4x4lappers at 3K pace. I picked the same pace I did last week for 2 lappers and wanted to hit it. I had teammates to push with which really helped. I ran 4:19 for the first 3. The last one, we wore spikes and it felt so good to open up and go. I ran 4:16. 

4 miles after class

Recovery miles 

Today was also a good workout. We did 4x400 at mile race pace with 30 seconds recovery. I went out to run 76 and ran 74, 76, 75. 74. And I felt good. It boosted my confidence to run the mile this weekend. I had to run 7 after class. 

Recovery 

Easy run in Boise. 

Today was a big day. I got out and raced for the first time in 14 months. I tried to overthink it, I know it is time to just get out and race to get back in shape. Mentally and emotionally it's time to face it. Usual warm up, strides and pre race routine. I was in a heat about my current pace. And wow, I was RUSTY. I sucked at the start and was last after the first lap with everyone getting out. I knew I would be way too slow and made a good surge to the front pack. Then, I was sucked into the pain and mental game of racing and don't even remember my splits. It hurt. Racing is painful. I finished 5th in my heat and ran a 5:12. I am bummed about the time but oh well. I am really grateful I was able to get out and run. I already feel more ready and excited to race again. I had 11 miles cool down. 

Car ride home from Boise I had a sore throat and today a full on head cold. I feel AWFUL. I ran 5 miles and that was enough pain. I am sleeping, hydrating and hoping to get over it ASAP. 

I already feel a lot better than yesterday. 11 miles 

Today was surprise. We showed up to run a track workout and had a recovery day (no complaints here) I actually was very relieved. Mentally and emotionally I was not ready to run one. 

Surprise again- we got sent out for a 40 minute tempo run. No complaints here! I felt ok- crappy, then amazing, then crappy, then amazing etc. The usual up and down of tempos. We averaged 6:31

Recovery miles before a big workout tomorrow 

Today we did a workout on the OUTDOOR track! YES. It was a bit cold (tights and long sleeve) but the sun was out and it felt dang good. We ran a favorite, classic workout- 5x1,000. But luckily, at 5K pace. Coach and I decided I would run 82's and there was a little group of us at that pace. First one- felt dang good and hit 3:25. Same for the next two. I started to feel it on the fourth one but ran 3:23. Last one- 3:21. I finished feeling really good. I felt in control, the pace was perfect and I had just conquered another track workout. Holla. 7 mile cooldown to get the mileage. 

We started practice today like never before. All in spikes, we ran 2x400. First one fast and next one faster. I ran a 68 and 69. My legs felt so heavy like I was running through sand. It was hard! Then we ran 4x800 at 3K race pace. I decided I wanted to run 10 flat this weekend and so I wanted to run 80's (I know 80's pretty well by now) I hit 79 for most of them. It was hard after the fast 400's but manageable. 

4 miles after class. 

Did my long run today- I could only run once today 

Workout was all in spikes. We did a 1200, 2x800 at 3K pace. I hit 4:01 and 2:39 for the 800's. It felt hard but still manageable. 

Ran 5 after class

Recovery. My legs are feeling better. They were so sore on Tuesday and Wednesday

Ran before leaving for Seattle. Felt great. It's gonna be a good race weekend. 

Today was a great day. I felt good this morning and knew it would be a good race day. I was in the faster heat but coach had me switched to the first heat earlier in the day which definitely was better. Goal- 80 pace and break 10. I started fast with a 76 getting into position etc. Then I ran on the rail and ran my pace for the next mile. My mile was 5:16. Then I just raced. If I got passed, I would match and follow. I was good about closing gaps and keeping contact with people. The first mile felt really good pace and in control. Then it hurt so bad but mentally I was able to stick it out. I was so close to breaking 10 and I wanted it. I finished with a 73 last 400 and finished 8th. 

I feel good about this race. I felt more in tune to race. I was able to run my pace as well as move with girls around me and actually race people. I am relieved I was able to break 10 and that it felt good. I am excited to run the 5K next time! I had 10 miles cool down and was so tired by the end.