It's been quite a while since I was truly satisfied with how I ran. That was back on April 27th, nearly a month. Now for most of you, that doesn't sound like a long time. But when it's one-third of the track season, it is. I had started out great, each meet running about what I wanted to. I was sure this was going to be another great season. Then May came. So far, we were supposed to have two easy meets and three hard ones. I missed two and had disappointing races in three due to an annoying sickness that lasted a whole two weeks. It completely turned my season into one of the worst ever.
Then there was this week, a chance to run great again. On Saturday was the Class Championships. I was entered in 1500 and 3K, looking for PRs in both.
Monday: 9 Miles. I was still a little sick, but barely and I was hoping it was the last of it. I had a great run. A while ago, I had mapped out possible new routes to get away from the boring roads near the school (not boring, but I've just run them so many times). I tried out a Pequot trail loop, South Anguilla road, and return route one last week, but it was just okay. This time I tried out another loop: out on route two, elmridge and north Anguilla road, return Pequot trail. Maybe I just felt better, but this was a really enjoyable run. Not only was I trying out a new route, but it felt pretty easy running 6:30s and went by quickly. The only downside was Pequot trail, with a very narrow shoulder for running. This was a confidence booster, because of how great I felt. I was coughing a lot after, but I believe that was the last of it.
Tuesday: 4 Miles, track workout. 9x400. We started with a 6x400, target pace for me was 69. I felt weak, and it wasn't very fun. About 45 seconds recovery. 71/68/67/67/66/65. Then we had 4x400, increasing speed, my target: 75/70/65/60. Recovery started at 30s and increased. Was not looking forward to last two. The last was cut eventually, and I was getting very tired. 71/69/65. Difficulty: 4/5. I think this was the last day I was sick, or at least sick enough to notice I was sick.
Wednesday: 8 Miles, tried a route I hadn't done in a while, out and back on east ave. I did a loop turnaround in the happy valley neighborhood and winnapaug road. I felt pretty good except for on the hills, which were very tiring. But it was easy on East Ave. Pace was moderate, even a little fast at about 6:20. Calves felt very tight, not pleasant to run.
Thursday: 4 Miles. Hills and track combo workout. One set of fingers, one Narragansett, and 8x200 at 34 target pace. 45 seconds recovery, and I ran many of them at 31-32. Not ridiculously easy, but not extremely hard either. Difficulty: 2/5. Still had tight calves, did some icing and used the foam roller that night.
Friday: 7 Miles, getting very nervous for Saturday's meet. Took it easy, one of the rare times I'm over 7-pace on a road run from the school. Felt pretty good, except my calves were still tight. Took the pick-ups easier than usual.
Saturday: 6 Miles, Class B Championships. You will see more in a separate write-up, but overall, a success. I finished 2nd in both 1500 and 3K. I ran a PR of 4:10 and an outdoor PR of 9:09. There was slight disappointment in both, but definitely much, much better than usual, and I think I have a shot of closing out the season with great races.
Sunday: 8 Miles, Groton trail run with dad. We ran six different park, all combined together with one trail. That was cool, but some of the trails were just okay. I liked Beebe Pond Park, Groton Woodlands (or something like that) and Town's End trails the most. Very tiring to run after the meet.
Weekly Mileage: 46 Miles
YTD Mileage: 844 Miles
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