This was a brutal week. I had become sick on Tuesday (the 3rd), and it seemed to get worse every day. Then this week, it was getting better each day...until Wednesday. And unfortunately, it had a big impact on my running.
Monday: 6 Miles. Felt quicker than usual, and just tried to get it out of the way. A few miles in the cemetery, turnaround at Timothy Drive then return. Not bad, not great. 6:36 average pace.
Tuesday: 7 Miles. Short and easy river run. Out and back on river road, felt pretty good until I got back. First time running short trails off of River Road- will likely explore more later. Ran a little faster (6:25 pace) than I should've, as I had a meet the next day.
Wednesday: 3 Miles, Southern Division Championship. After underperforming at the last two meets, I was hoping for a great, or at least good meet. Unfortunately, I was still a little sick, but wasn't sure how it would affect me. I was running the 4x800, 1500, and 800.
It was hot, which made me a little tired during the warm-up. We went for a short warm-up, then a slightly longer one before...the 4x800 was called and starting soon. Apparently it was supposed to start at 4:15, but for some reason they were starting at 4. We grabbed our spikes and got ready, then it was about a 5-minute wait for the start. I was getting nervous, especially as I was the leadoff leg.
4x800
There were 7 teams in the 4x800. Westerly got 7th. It was disappointing to get last, but there weren't any really slow teams for us to beat, like there are in other meets. I felt good about my leg. The gun went off, and I had a good start. I was immediately behind the first NK and EG runners, before I passed the NK for second. This was 100 meters in. I knew EG had many quality 800 runners, but felt the pace was just a little slow and passed for the lead. About 200 meters later, he passed me back, much stronger than I was. We hit the first lap in 61, and he started to pull away a little. I was surprised by how hard it was to stay with him, but I picked it up and ran with him until 200 to go. At that point, he picked it up a little and got a few seconds ahead. My last 100 wasn't a great kick, and I felt that I would be passed, but I wasn't. The EG runner ran 2:02, I ran 2:05. Overall, I was mostly satisfied with that, my second fastest 800 ever and only one second off my fastest. Our second runner struggled a bit, about 6 seconds off his usual 2:15, which dropped us to 6th. Both our 3rd and 4th legs hit PR's, but weren't fast enough to hold off the final team and we ended up being the only team not to medal/score.
I wanted to hit a great 1500, but felt horrible after the 4x800. I drank water afterwards, only to immediately throw it up. I was going through tissues quickly, and kept throwing up. But the worse part was a constant cough. This went on for about 45 minutes, not getting much better before the start. And unfortunately, it came a little earlier than I thought.
1500
I was really hoping for PR, but didn't expect to have anyone to pace off of. The top runners were from NK, and they were jus running for the win, meaning they wouldn't lead the race out. There was an EG runner who was great at distance, but the 1500 wasn't his thing. I felt weak on the starting line, not a good sign. We were off. About 50 meters into the race, I see the top NK runner pull to the side (lane 2) for someone to take the lead. I really didn't want to, but it was the only way to keep the pace fast. That, and no one else took immediate action. I passed for the lead, and noticed early that I wasn't feeling great. After 250 meters, the EG runner passed for the lead, with the NK runner going with him. I stayed with them for a lap, but felt very weak and dropped off a little. The gap continued to grow over lap 3, and I was passed by another NK runner. I was able to stay with him for 200 meters, but he was a better kicked. I pushed it to the finish, running a disappointing 4:16 once again.
It was really disappointing to be way off again, but the one part I was satisfied with was my finish, a s my bell lap was at least 6 seconds faster than it was at schomp, which is what hurt me there. Unfortunately, laps 2 and 3 were a little slow.
Whatever I was feeling after the 4x800, I felt 10 times worse after the 1500. The throwing up and coughing was non-stop, and produced a painful feeling in my stomach. Eventually, the throwing up stopped, but the coughing never did. And I had to run an 800.
800
I was coughing so much, especially on the start that a runner asked my if I was okay. I wasn't, but at least it was only two laps. On your mark...I stood there ready to go...still standing...gun shoots off. It seemed like there was an extra five seconds before the gun was fired, which screwed up my start. Immediately, I was towards the back and had to do some lane two running. It didn't really clear out until 300 meters in, where separation began to happen. Came through the 400 in 62, but feeling weak. Lap two I didn't pass at all and just stayed with whoever I could. I finished in a not very good 2:09, but wasn't disappointed as it didn't really matter anymore.
Awful, awful constant coughing rest of night. Ugh.
Thursday: 8 Miles. Another river road run, this time making a turnaround loop on mary hall and Greenhaven. Good pace, but wasn't feeling it.
Friday: 8 Miles. Felt horrible, but ending up running much faster than I felt I would. Just made route up as I went along, terrible coughing afterwards.
Saturday: 7 Miles. I was assigned a hill workout, as I couldn't make the meet. 1 Set of Fingers, and 4 hill repeats up Park Ave. I felt weak during warm-up and fingers, but good on the park repeats and great on the cooldown. I ran fast 400 because I feeling good and near the track. I was coughing afterwards, but not quite as bad as Thursday's or Friday's.
Sunday: 8 Miles. I felt terrible this run, but not in the same way as the other ones. This one, I just had 0 energy. It was hard to keep going, but I managed to finish it. Not a good run, but glad I got the full 8 in.
Overall, a terrible week for running. Hopefully, next will be better.
Weekly Mileage: 47 Miles
YTD Mileage: 798 Miles
Monday, May 16, 2016
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Weekly Log: May 2 to 8
Monday: 8 Miles. Ran to Stonington High via route one, returned on SHS roads, and CT neighborhood routes. I was going to do some laps, but it looked like there was practice going on. Thought about the meet Wednesday against them.
Tuesday: 6 Miles, last dual meet of the season. I was ready to run easy wins in the 1500 and 800. Until I felt terrible in school, with weak muscles and back pain. I wasn't sure how this would affect my meet. Luckily it went away during running, but unfortunately I had to do the 3K.
1500
I planned out going out hard, and my first split was a 63. Got slower and slower as it went on, and I became really tired. Finished in 4:16, disappointing, but not the worst time I could've run. It was more disappointing that I was on track to PR, then completely fell off.
3K
I don't remember much about this 3K. Light rain, I ran alone, it wasn't fun at all. It was one of the more unenjoyable ones, as I just counted down the laps. What made it worse was that I knew I was off, pace-wise. I was running 75s and 76s when I should have been running 73s and 74s. I finished in 9:23, also a little disappointing.
This was different from last week, as this hurt my confidence a little bit. Last week I ran fast times (somewhat) easily, and this week I ran slower times and it felt much harder. Hopefully I'll perform better in Wednesday's and Saturday's meet.
Wednesday: 9 Miles. Excited all day to run an easy meet at SHS, a rare meet just for fun, friendly competition, one that didn't matter. And then I was it was cancelled halfway through the day. It was even more frustrating to learn that it wasn't cancelled, but rather Westerly coaches pulled out because of the rain. Stonington and Waterford would be still holding the meet. It hard to get over that disappointment, but I eventually. Unfortunately, my run was pretty horrible. I mapped a new route, a loop to South Anguilla Road via Pequot Trail, return route one, but forgot to eat any bars before and really suffered because of it. Complete lack of energy made me feel terrible as well.
Thursday: 5 Miles. I felt much weaker than usual Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday confirmed that I had gotten sick. Many classmates had as well. It seemed I had more symptoms than usual- this time Chest Congestion, Running Nose, Sore Throat, and lots of coughing. We had 7xNarragansett and I felt pretty terrible, struggling to get through them. Except for my first, there were slower than usual. Difficulty of Workout: 4/5 (3/5 if I wasn't sick).
Friday: 5 Miles. Felt absolutely horrible with Chest Congestion, making it hard to breathe on run. Felt really terrible, and ran much shorter than usual, and much slower as well.
Saturday: 3 Miles. I had slept 12 hours, trying to recover from being sick as quick as possible, but still woke up the same. Unfortunately, I still had a meet to go to. It took a long time to get to the fast 1500, but it finally came. It was extremely stacked. I was seeded 10th. I was in a great position for the first 800, running 64 for 400 and 68 for 800. I lost the pack a little over the course of the third lap, but catching them I was still possible. I lost my energy and started to hurt in the last lap. My last lap was poor- I slowed down a lot, was passed and finished in a disappointing 4:16, 14th overall. (1st and 2nd ran a speedy 3:52). I was pulled out of the 800.
Sunday: 0 Miles. Still sick, but starting to improve.
Weekly Mileage: 38 (same as last week)
YTD Mileage: 751 Miles
Tuesday: 6 Miles, last dual meet of the season. I was ready to run easy wins in the 1500 and 800. Until I felt terrible in school, with weak muscles and back pain. I wasn't sure how this would affect my meet. Luckily it went away during running, but unfortunately I had to do the 3K.
1500
I planned out going out hard, and my first split was a 63. Got slower and slower as it went on, and I became really tired. Finished in 4:16, disappointing, but not the worst time I could've run. It was more disappointing that I was on track to PR, then completely fell off.
3K
I don't remember much about this 3K. Light rain, I ran alone, it wasn't fun at all. It was one of the more unenjoyable ones, as I just counted down the laps. What made it worse was that I knew I was off, pace-wise. I was running 75s and 76s when I should have been running 73s and 74s. I finished in 9:23, also a little disappointing.
This was different from last week, as this hurt my confidence a little bit. Last week I ran fast times (somewhat) easily, and this week I ran slower times and it felt much harder. Hopefully I'll perform better in Wednesday's and Saturday's meet.
Wednesday: 9 Miles. Excited all day to run an easy meet at SHS, a rare meet just for fun, friendly competition, one that didn't matter. And then I was it was cancelled halfway through the day. It was even more frustrating to learn that it wasn't cancelled, but rather Westerly coaches pulled out because of the rain. Stonington and Waterford would be still holding the meet. It hard to get over that disappointment, but I eventually. Unfortunately, my run was pretty horrible. I mapped a new route, a loop to South Anguilla Road via Pequot Trail, return route one, but forgot to eat any bars before and really suffered because of it. Complete lack of energy made me feel terrible as well.
Thursday: 5 Miles. I felt much weaker than usual Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday confirmed that I had gotten sick. Many classmates had as well. It seemed I had more symptoms than usual- this time Chest Congestion, Running Nose, Sore Throat, and lots of coughing. We had 7xNarragansett and I felt pretty terrible, struggling to get through them. Except for my first, there were slower than usual. Difficulty of Workout: 4/5 (3/5 if I wasn't sick).
Friday: 5 Miles. Felt absolutely horrible with Chest Congestion, making it hard to breathe on run. Felt really terrible, and ran much shorter than usual, and much slower as well.
Saturday: 3 Miles. I had slept 12 hours, trying to recover from being sick as quick as possible, but still woke up the same. Unfortunately, I still had a meet to go to. It took a long time to get to the fast 1500, but it finally came. It was extremely stacked. I was seeded 10th. I was in a great position for the first 800, running 64 for 400 and 68 for 800. I lost the pack a little over the course of the third lap, but catching them I was still possible. I lost my energy and started to hurt in the last lap. My last lap was poor- I slowed down a lot, was passed and finished in a disappointing 4:16, 14th overall. (1st and 2nd ran a speedy 3:52). I was pulled out of the 800.
Sunday: 0 Miles. Still sick, but starting to improve.
Weekly Mileage: 38 (same as last week)
YTD Mileage: 751 Miles
Weekly Log: April 25 to May 1
Meet on Wednesday against a strong EG squad, before a three and half day school trip to Washington, DC.
Monday: 5 Miles, two sets of fingers. Ran it just as hard as normal but felt weaker and ended up running much slower. Not a great workout. Difficulty: 4/5.
Tuesday: 8 Miles. Kept the pace fairly easy before the meet, but took the opportunity to take the John Street Climb CR- a CR I was cheated out of last time. I explored some side roads (dead-ends) off beach street I had never been on, and then returned.
Wednesday: 6 Miles. Home meet against East Greenwich and West Warwick. EG was stacked in distance and not much else, and West Warwick had quality sprinters, some field athletes, but not much for distance.
I was running the 1500 and the 3000, for the second time in the season. I figured I'd barely win the 1500, and the 3000 would be a close match as an EG runner was right around my speed. He informed he was racing the 800, but wouldn't be racing the 3K.
1500
It wasn't an especially fast start, but I got out to the front quick. Shortly in, an EG sophomore named Dante ran neck and neck with me. I felt like it was a good pace, and didn't pick it up. There were plenty behind us. We went through the 400 in 67, after another lap, he was replaced by his teammate Hank. He took the lead, but I stayed right behind. With 300 to go, I kept thinking about making a move, but he countered the small surges I had. I wasn't until the last 100 where I pulled to the side in an attempt to pass. Every time he pulled away from me, I ran back to him. We went back and forth on the final straightaway, but he crossed the line slightly ahead of me, both of us running 4:13. I didn't expect to lose to him, but was happy to come only one second off my PR in my first 1500 in good conditions. Definite confidence booster.
3000
Got a good amount of recovery before the 3K. Headed over a little too late, as people were lining when I was still putting spikes. Many EG runners toed the line with me, and soon we were off. I didn't go out super fast, and was quickly boxed in. Their best 3K runner and another EG runner started to pull away after 200 meters, but I was stuck in the pack. My coach yelled for me to get out of there, and I slowed down to go around. I had to pick it up a little to catch up to the leaders, but after another 200 meters, I was there. I hung with him for another lap, then passed and tried to pick a little. It felt pretty good after that, actually kinda fun. I coasted to a 9:15 big win, happy with that time. I could've pushed it more at the end, but also a confidence booster.
Thursday: 8 Miles. 4:30 run around the pond with Dad. Not fun as I didn't eat before, which made me fall apart and get weak in the final miles.
Friday: 5 Miles. I missed the 4-mile group on the trip, so had to run treadmill. Wasn't too bad as I only did 5 mile, increased speed every half mile, and watched the TV built into the treadmill.
Saturday: 0 Miles. Too tired, slept in too late.
Sunday: 6 Miles. Was very disappointed to sleep in past my alarm, missing both the group run and the time to do a quick treadmill. Had to wait to do a pouring rain run when I got back. My legs felt great, meaning maybe it was the right move not running Saturday, but breathing didn't feel great.
Weekly Total: 38 Miles (a little off)
YTD Mileage: 713 Miles
Monday: 5 Miles, two sets of fingers. Ran it just as hard as normal but felt weaker and ended up running much slower. Not a great workout. Difficulty: 4/5.
Tuesday: 8 Miles. Kept the pace fairly easy before the meet, but took the opportunity to take the John Street Climb CR- a CR I was cheated out of last time. I explored some side roads (dead-ends) off beach street I had never been on, and then returned.
Wednesday: 6 Miles. Home meet against East Greenwich and West Warwick. EG was stacked in distance and not much else, and West Warwick had quality sprinters, some field athletes, but not much for distance.
I was running the 1500 and the 3000, for the second time in the season. I figured I'd barely win the 1500, and the 3000 would be a close match as an EG runner was right around my speed. He informed he was racing the 800, but wouldn't be racing the 3K.
1500
It wasn't an especially fast start, but I got out to the front quick. Shortly in, an EG sophomore named Dante ran neck and neck with me. I felt like it was a good pace, and didn't pick it up. There were plenty behind us. We went through the 400 in 67, after another lap, he was replaced by his teammate Hank. He took the lead, but I stayed right behind. With 300 to go, I kept thinking about making a move, but he countered the small surges I had. I wasn't until the last 100 where I pulled to the side in an attempt to pass. Every time he pulled away from me, I ran back to him. We went back and forth on the final straightaway, but he crossed the line slightly ahead of me, both of us running 4:13. I didn't expect to lose to him, but was happy to come only one second off my PR in my first 1500 in good conditions. Definite confidence booster.
3000
Got a good amount of recovery before the 3K. Headed over a little too late, as people were lining when I was still putting spikes. Many EG runners toed the line with me, and soon we were off. I didn't go out super fast, and was quickly boxed in. Their best 3K runner and another EG runner started to pull away after 200 meters, but I was stuck in the pack. My coach yelled for me to get out of there, and I slowed down to go around. I had to pick it up a little to catch up to the leaders, but after another 200 meters, I was there. I hung with him for another lap, then passed and tried to pick a little. It felt pretty good after that, actually kinda fun. I coasted to a 9:15 big win, happy with that time. I could've pushed it more at the end, but also a confidence booster.
Thursday: 8 Miles. 4:30 run around the pond with Dad. Not fun as I didn't eat before, which made me fall apart and get weak in the final miles.
Friday: 5 Miles. I missed the 4-mile group on the trip, so had to run treadmill. Wasn't too bad as I only did 5 mile, increased speed every half mile, and watched the TV built into the treadmill.
Saturday: 0 Miles. Too tired, slept in too late.
Sunday: 6 Miles. Was very disappointed to sleep in past my alarm, missing both the group run and the time to do a quick treadmill. Had to wait to do a pouring rain run when I got back. My legs felt great, meaning maybe it was the right move not running Saturday, but breathing didn't feel great.
Weekly Total: 38 Miles (a little off)
YTD Mileage: 713 Miles
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Weekly Log: April 18 to 24
Solid week for training, as there are no interruptions with racing. Resume racing on Tuesday (26).
Monday: 8 Miles. 7 Mile East Ave run. Was feeling great going out, really considering going for a 6-flat pace. When I felt good at 6:15, I settled around there. A little hot but pretty easy. It was time to return, but suddenly the heavy and tight thighs came, and it got really hard. Weird run, as usually I feel good coming back but not going out.
Tuesday: 5 Miles, track workout. I felt horrible going in, eating way too close to practice time and the heat (nothing horrible, but I'd run in high 40s over high 60s any day) didn't help either. We received our workout, and only the end seemed bad. 75 (per lap) pace for 1200, then 800, then 400, break, then 5x400 at descending pace (start at 80 and drop 5 secs off each 400). The first 3 didn't feel great as I had a full stomach, but weren't hard either. Recovery was about 2 mins, then 1 min. Splits: 3:41/2:27/71. 6-Minute recovery before the 400s. The first three 400s weren't bad (I hate 400 repeats but they weren't especially fast) but the last 2 hurt a little. Started out too fast, then was right on. About 1 minute recovery for the first, then up to 3 minutes for the later ones. Splits: 71/75/69/63/61. Wasn't feeling too bad during the workout, but felt terrible on the cool-down. Difficulty: 4/5 (probably would've been a 3 with good weather and proper eating).
Wednesday: 8 Miles. Woke up at 11, which was very late. I didn't want to wait around for my run, so I went at 12:30 after planning a route. I would do the moonlight loop. I used this run to try out my Fresh Foam Zante for the first time. These were a cousin of the Fresh Foam, except with slightly less cushioning to allow more speed. And the first mile, all I felt was speed. I felt uncontrollably fast. The next three miles were terrible as they felt tight and were hurting. I adjusted them and they felt fine after that. Last few miles were tough with hills and heat.
Thursday: 5 Miles, a track-hill combo workout. I like the track-hill combo as it's interesting doing two workouts in one, but less of each. We did a set of fingers and one Narragansett hard. I felt great, but my Zante's were weird again. When I put them on they felt loose, yet only a quarter mile later (without adjustment) they felt so tight they were hurting. I don't think these are made for sprints. I may use them for blessing as they feel better for longer distances. Anyway, my hill workout was merely okay as my foot pain slowed me down. We went to the track, and had 3x400 @ 70, a 90% effort 300, and then an all-out 200. We had about a minute recovery between each, a little more for the last ones. This was actually a little fun. As I said before, I'm not a huge fan of 400 repeats, but it was only 3. The 300 was fun. I think I PR'd in the 200. My splits: 69/68/67/44/26. Difficulty: 3/5.
Friday: 10 Miles. Awesome Mystic loop with great locations. My 2nd fastest 10 miler ever (around 1:05), and it didn't feel very tiring. This was a huge strava success, as I went 5 for 5 on segments. Perhaps the first time I've gotten every segment I ran in a run, and I don't know that I've gotten that many in one run before. Definitely enjoy the road running in Mystic. I made two additional segments, taking the top spot on one, and coming in second on another (behind a speedy mystic runner who was the CR holder on I few I took that run).
Saturday: 5 Miles, track workout. I showed up late as I got the times wrong, but I just ended up shortening my warm-up by half a mile. I didn't eat breakfast, so wasn't looking forward to the workout in the humid and wet conditions. We started with 3x400 @70 pace. I ran them a little fast, but none were that tiring. 60 seconds recovery in between each. 69/68/67. Next was an all-out 1200, something I wasn't looking forward. It was slightly better than expected because I got to catch slower runners instead of running by myself. This made it go by quicker, and I finished faster than I expected 3:25. Pretty good practice, around a 4:13 for 1500 and 4:32 mile, just off my best. We concluded with 8x200 @38 seconds each, 20 seconds recovery in-between. It felt easy running them, but became a little tiring immediately after. This was certainly only because of the 1200 before.
Sunday: 10 Miles in Narragansett, before the RISP 5K. This was a good opportunity to explore new roads, but overall I wasn't impressed. Maybe I just picked the wrong route, but I liked very few of the roads I ran on unlike the Friday mystic runs. It didn't feel terrible, but didn't feel great either. My thighs felt tired early on and my entire legs were also feeling it in the last few. I broke my 2nd fastest ten-miler (from Friday), bringing a 6:32 pace down to 6:21. Happy with the run, but it wasn't much fun during.
Weekly Total: 51 Miles (2nd highest week ever)
YTD Mileage: 675 Miles
Monday: 8 Miles. 7 Mile East Ave run. Was feeling great going out, really considering going for a 6-flat pace. When I felt good at 6:15, I settled around there. A little hot but pretty easy. It was time to return, but suddenly the heavy and tight thighs came, and it got really hard. Weird run, as usually I feel good coming back but not going out.
Tuesday: 5 Miles, track workout. I felt horrible going in, eating way too close to practice time and the heat (nothing horrible, but I'd run in high 40s over high 60s any day) didn't help either. We received our workout, and only the end seemed bad. 75 (per lap) pace for 1200, then 800, then 400, break, then 5x400 at descending pace (start at 80 and drop 5 secs off each 400). The first 3 didn't feel great as I had a full stomach, but weren't hard either. Recovery was about 2 mins, then 1 min. Splits: 3:41/2:27/71. 6-Minute recovery before the 400s. The first three 400s weren't bad (I hate 400 repeats but they weren't especially fast) but the last 2 hurt a little. Started out too fast, then was right on. About 1 minute recovery for the first, then up to 3 minutes for the later ones. Splits: 71/75/69/63/61. Wasn't feeling too bad during the workout, but felt terrible on the cool-down. Difficulty: 4/5 (probably would've been a 3 with good weather and proper eating).
Wednesday: 8 Miles. Woke up at 11, which was very late. I didn't want to wait around for my run, so I went at 12:30 after planning a route. I would do the moonlight loop. I used this run to try out my Fresh Foam Zante for the first time. These were a cousin of the Fresh Foam, except with slightly less cushioning to allow more speed. And the first mile, all I felt was speed. I felt uncontrollably fast. The next three miles were terrible as they felt tight and were hurting. I adjusted them and they felt fine after that. Last few miles were tough with hills and heat.
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Not a photo I took, but this is the same color I have.
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Friday: 10 Miles. Awesome Mystic loop with great locations. My 2nd fastest 10 miler ever (around 1:05), and it didn't feel very tiring. This was a huge strava success, as I went 5 for 5 on segments. Perhaps the first time I've gotten every segment I ran in a run, and I don't know that I've gotten that many in one run before. Definitely enjoy the road running in Mystic. I made two additional segments, taking the top spot on one, and coming in second on another (behind a speedy mystic runner who was the CR holder on I few I took that run).
Saturday: 5 Miles, track workout. I showed up late as I got the times wrong, but I just ended up shortening my warm-up by half a mile. I didn't eat breakfast, so wasn't looking forward to the workout in the humid and wet conditions. We started with 3x400 @70 pace. I ran them a little fast, but none were that tiring. 60 seconds recovery in between each. 69/68/67. Next was an all-out 1200, something I wasn't looking forward. It was slightly better than expected because I got to catch slower runners instead of running by myself. This made it go by quicker, and I finished faster than I expected 3:25. Pretty good practice, around a 4:13 for 1500 and 4:32 mile, just off my best. We concluded with 8x200 @38 seconds each, 20 seconds recovery in-between. It felt easy running them, but became a little tiring immediately after. This was certainly only because of the 1200 before.
Sunday: 10 Miles in Narragansett, before the RISP 5K. This was a good opportunity to explore new roads, but overall I wasn't impressed. Maybe I just picked the wrong route, but I liked very few of the roads I ran on unlike the Friday mystic runs. It didn't feel terrible, but didn't feel great either. My thighs felt tired early on and my entire legs were also feeling it in the last few. I broke my 2nd fastest ten-miler (from Friday), bringing a 6:32 pace down to 6:21. Happy with the run, but it wasn't much fun during.
Weekly Total: 51 Miles (2nd highest week ever)
YTD Mileage: 675 Miles
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Two Easy Meets- Weekly Log: April 11 to 17
Double meet week, starting with a dual against NK on Monday then the Injury Fund relays on Thursday.
Monday: 4 Miles.
Started off the week with a dual meet against North Kingstown @the NK track. I had heard it was really hard, so I brought my racing flats, despite the fact that they weren't meant for shorter distances like the 1500, and certainly not the 800. Before the 1500, I tried both spikes and flats on the track. I decided immediately on wearing my spikes, as my flats were much heavier and slower, meant for longer road racing. Didn't feel great during warm-ups, and was genuinely concerned about the nasty stretch of wind on one part of the track.
1500
Unlike the Chariho meet, it didn't take long to get to the 1500. We were off quicker. I thought I would have two competitors, but one dropped out to run the 800. So, it was me vs. an NK runner. I wanted to beat him, of course, but he had the better PR and he had a much better kick than I did. We started. Another NK runner sprinted out and led the first lap. Every time we hit the stretch with wind, it was brutal. I became tired quickly. After a lap, it was just us two. Soon, it became clear he was just pacing off me until the end, and it was confirmed when his coach told him to "wait" to pass me with 300 meters to go. He blew by me easy in the final stretch, finishing 3-4 seconds ahead. I was disappointed both that I lost and that I ran the same time as I did at Chariho, 4:19. I was looking for 4:15 this time, but my slower time made sense with the harsh winds.
800
Next was the 800. I was still tired, and I knew I had no chance of winning. Their top freshmen were racing, and one could beat me easy in any distance, but the other was more of a mid-distance guy. They both ran it for the win, passing me after a lap as I grew tired. They seemed to be running more casually than I was, as it seemed like they were talking. I barely held off a third NK runner in the final stretch. I thought my time wasn't great, but it was actually pretty good. I ran 2:09, which is my fastest time for an open 800 (my PR is in the 4x800 relay), and not too far off my actual PR.
4x400
I was surprised to be in the 4x400, and I was on Westerly's "B team", even though we were slower than the "C team". Our first leg would be about neck and neck with the C team, and we were slightly behind (1-2 seconds). I grabbed the baton (I was 2nd leg) and started to run hard. I felt good as I passed my teammate (2nd leg for C team) easily, but I grew tired quickly and after only 150 meters, I was slowing down. He caught up to me and passed me with 150 meters to go, finishing about a second ahead. My split ended up being .1 seconds faster than his, 58.4 seconds.
Overall, disappointing to be beaten so easily in a Dual meet, but my times weren't bad. Hopefully, I can be right around my PR (4:12) in my next 1500, which won't be until late April.
Tuesday: 8 Miles. I wanted to run a little easier. I forgot my watch, so I had to run with my phone, which is hard to stop, but cool to see the map. I ran a little in moore woods, a nice but extremely small place off East Ave that doesn't allow "jogging". I was a little nervous when walkers gave me some funny looks. I created a segment to hopefully attract more runners in there, but few were on it, possibly because there's so many different paths. Didn't feel great.
Wednesday: 9 Miles, I ran a little in Westerly, then a little in Pawcatuck. Decent run, but I didn't feel that great and took more breaks than I wanted to. I didn't run it hard because of the meet the next day, but I wished I had run it a little easier.
Thursday: 4 Miles, Injury Fund Relays. Wasn't feeling great going into it. I was surprised at the lack of teams there, there were only 6-7 teams. We were the ones that didn't belong, as we were the only ones not coming from an area near providence. There were only two teams with decent distance runners, each with one runner who was around my speed.
The meet took a while to start, but once it did, it went by very quickly. I was running the 3rd leg on the 4x800 team, and anchoring the DMR. It was a quality track (Conley Stadium), and I was hoping my 800 would be good.
4x800
It was an odd meet, as it was only relays and it was so low-key. I wasn't very nervous, even when I was about to run. Our first runner did very well, putting us in second with a big PR of 2:15. We dropped to a close third, but the first team opened up a gap on the 2nd team with the second leg. Then I was up. I grabbed the baton and ran out hard. My thighs felt heavy, but other than that my first lap felt good. I passed the second runner early, then passed the next with 400 to go. I was getting tired and felt that I was slowing, but I ended up opening a 60 meter gap and running a huge PR of 2:04.8, much faster than I expected. We ended up finishing in 3rd because the anchor legs on the other teams were fast.
DMR
I only got about 20 minutes recovery between the 4x800 and DMR since the meet was moving quickly. The lead runner was the same, and he started us out well in third (I think) place. Our 400 runner was likely to be passed, as he was a distance runner, not a sprinter, but ended up running very well for himself and not giving up a place. Our 800 runner kept the third place, and then I got the baton. I wasn't feeling great, as the 800 took a lot out of me. I even threw up a little before the race. I noticed my tired legs early on. The anchor leg was a real race, as we were very close to the 2nd team. Both the first and second team put their top guys as anchor, from Classical and North Providence respectively. The Classical runner was capable of a 4:25 mile, while the North Providence was more a mid-distance guy, but still ran around a 4:35 mile. I ran about a second behind the North Providence runner for lap, who made up the gap on the Classical runner. After another lap, I closed the second gap between me and the North Providence runner. 800 to go, this was a real race now. I was tiring, but neither were pushing the pace, and I kept swinging outside, considering making a move. Every time I did, I became too tired to pass. With 400, it was a close race, but I never had the strength to make a move. The Classical runner kicked with 200 to go, taking the win. I stayed around a second behind the North Providence runner at the finish. I ran 4:35 for 1600, a one-second PR. I was a little disappointed I was unable to pass either, but was satisfied with my time, especially as I didn't get much recovery.
Overall, a fun day that brought me two new PR's. Neither race felt great, but it was nice to run a low-key, relays only meet.
Friday: 5 Miles. I wasn't feeling great, as my legs weren't recovered from the meet. I cut my run short, and still felt crappy in the little running I did do.
Saturday: 7 Miles. Hill and Track workout. We started with 2 sets of fingers, minus the last hill on Bellevue (for the 2nd one). We then concluded with 6x200 @ 33s each. Not too bad. Difficulty: 3/5. I got extra mileage with longer warmups and cooldowns.
Sunday: 0 Miles. I've been told to take the day off. I'll probably volunteer at Clamdigger.
Weekly Total: 37 Miles (lot less than usual)
YTD Mileage: 624 Miles
Monday: 4 Miles.
Started off the week with a dual meet against North Kingstown @the NK track. I had heard it was really hard, so I brought my racing flats, despite the fact that they weren't meant for shorter distances like the 1500, and certainly not the 800. Before the 1500, I tried both spikes and flats on the track. I decided immediately on wearing my spikes, as my flats were much heavier and slower, meant for longer road racing. Didn't feel great during warm-ups, and was genuinely concerned about the nasty stretch of wind on one part of the track.
1500
Unlike the Chariho meet, it didn't take long to get to the 1500. We were off quicker. I thought I would have two competitors, but one dropped out to run the 800. So, it was me vs. an NK runner. I wanted to beat him, of course, but he had the better PR and he had a much better kick than I did. We started. Another NK runner sprinted out and led the first lap. Every time we hit the stretch with wind, it was brutal. I became tired quickly. After a lap, it was just us two. Soon, it became clear he was just pacing off me until the end, and it was confirmed when his coach told him to "wait" to pass me with 300 meters to go. He blew by me easy in the final stretch, finishing 3-4 seconds ahead. I was disappointed both that I lost and that I ran the same time as I did at Chariho, 4:19. I was looking for 4:15 this time, but my slower time made sense with the harsh winds.
800
Next was the 800. I was still tired, and I knew I had no chance of winning. Their top freshmen were racing, and one could beat me easy in any distance, but the other was more of a mid-distance guy. They both ran it for the win, passing me after a lap as I grew tired. They seemed to be running more casually than I was, as it seemed like they were talking. I barely held off a third NK runner in the final stretch. I thought my time wasn't great, but it was actually pretty good. I ran 2:09, which is my fastest time for an open 800 (my PR is in the 4x800 relay), and not too far off my actual PR.
4x400
I was surprised to be in the 4x400, and I was on Westerly's "B team", even though we were slower than the "C team". Our first leg would be about neck and neck with the C team, and we were slightly behind (1-2 seconds). I grabbed the baton (I was 2nd leg) and started to run hard. I felt good as I passed my teammate (2nd leg for C team) easily, but I grew tired quickly and after only 150 meters, I was slowing down. He caught up to me and passed me with 150 meters to go, finishing about a second ahead. My split ended up being .1 seconds faster than his, 58.4 seconds.
Overall, disappointing to be beaten so easily in a Dual meet, but my times weren't bad. Hopefully, I can be right around my PR (4:12) in my next 1500, which won't be until late April.
Tuesday: 8 Miles. I wanted to run a little easier. I forgot my watch, so I had to run with my phone, which is hard to stop, but cool to see the map. I ran a little in moore woods, a nice but extremely small place off East Ave that doesn't allow "jogging". I was a little nervous when walkers gave me some funny looks. I created a segment to hopefully attract more runners in there, but few were on it, possibly because there's so many different paths. Didn't feel great.
Wednesday: 9 Miles, I ran a little in Westerly, then a little in Pawcatuck. Decent run, but I didn't feel that great and took more breaks than I wanted to. I didn't run it hard because of the meet the next day, but I wished I had run it a little easier.
Thursday: 4 Miles, Injury Fund Relays. Wasn't feeling great going into it. I was surprised at the lack of teams there, there were only 6-7 teams. We were the ones that didn't belong, as we were the only ones not coming from an area near providence. There were only two teams with decent distance runners, each with one runner who was around my speed.
The meet took a while to start, but once it did, it went by very quickly. I was running the 3rd leg on the 4x800 team, and anchoring the DMR. It was a quality track (Conley Stadium), and I was hoping my 800 would be good.
4x800
It was an odd meet, as it was only relays and it was so low-key. I wasn't very nervous, even when I was about to run. Our first runner did very well, putting us in second with a big PR of 2:15. We dropped to a close third, but the first team opened up a gap on the 2nd team with the second leg. Then I was up. I grabbed the baton and ran out hard. My thighs felt heavy, but other than that my first lap felt good. I passed the second runner early, then passed the next with 400 to go. I was getting tired and felt that I was slowing, but I ended up opening a 60 meter gap and running a huge PR of 2:04.8, much faster than I expected. We ended up finishing in 3rd because the anchor legs on the other teams were fast.
DMR
I only got about 20 minutes recovery between the 4x800 and DMR since the meet was moving quickly. The lead runner was the same, and he started us out well in third (I think) place. Our 400 runner was likely to be passed, as he was a distance runner, not a sprinter, but ended up running very well for himself and not giving up a place. Our 800 runner kept the third place, and then I got the baton. I wasn't feeling great, as the 800 took a lot out of me. I even threw up a little before the race. I noticed my tired legs early on. The anchor leg was a real race, as we were very close to the 2nd team. Both the first and second team put their top guys as anchor, from Classical and North Providence respectively. The Classical runner was capable of a 4:25 mile, while the North Providence was more a mid-distance guy, but still ran around a 4:35 mile. I ran about a second behind the North Providence runner for lap, who made up the gap on the Classical runner. After another lap, I closed the second gap between me and the North Providence runner. 800 to go, this was a real race now. I was tiring, but neither were pushing the pace, and I kept swinging outside, considering making a move. Every time I did, I became too tired to pass. With 400, it was a close race, but I never had the strength to make a move. The Classical runner kicked with 200 to go, taking the win. I stayed around a second behind the North Providence runner at the finish. I ran 4:35 for 1600, a one-second PR. I was a little disappointed I was unable to pass either, but was satisfied with my time, especially as I didn't get much recovery.
Overall, a fun day that brought me two new PR's. Neither race felt great, but it was nice to run a low-key, relays only meet.
Friday: 5 Miles. I wasn't feeling great, as my legs weren't recovered from the meet. I cut my run short, and still felt crappy in the little running I did do.
Saturday: 7 Miles. Hill and Track workout. We started with 2 sets of fingers, minus the last hill on Bellevue (for the 2nd one). We then concluded with 6x200 @ 33s each. Not too bad. Difficulty: 3/5. I got extra mileage with longer warmups and cooldowns.
Sunday: 0 Miles. I've been told to take the day off. I'll probably volunteer at Clamdigger.
Weekly Total: 37 Miles (lot less than usual)
YTD Mileage: 624 Miles
Sunday, April 10, 2016
First Races of the Season- Weekly Log: April 4 to 10
Monday: 5 Miles. I was happy that the meet was postponed as I wasn't feeling it and I still had a minor cold. Unfortunately, we ended up having a nasty treadmill run because it was very cold and wet outside. 10 minutes @ 9mph, before switching to a brutal 20 minutes @ 10.5 mph (5:42 pace). It was tough, and not fun at all. Dripping with sweat during that time.
Tuesday: 9 Miles. I was planning on running a little easier before the meet, but ran a little too hard and too far. Checked out some of the neighborhoods off canal. It was a just okay run. A little chilly at first, but fine once I got going.
Wednesday: 5 Miles. Meet @ Chariho HS vs. Chariho, Prout and Narragansett. I was running the 1500 and 3K, not sure how either would turn out, depending on what shape the top Chariho competitor was in. I thought I could win the 1500, but the 3K might be real race. Since it was the first meet, I was only looking for 4:15 and 9:15. I adjusted my goal when I got there and it was very windy. There was plenty of time before the 1500 went off. Got lots of strides, but wasn't feeling great. It was cold taking sweats off, and I was a little nervous lining up.
When the race started, I wasn't ready to go out fast and let others take it. After 10 seconds, I was in second behind the top Chariho runner. I was planning on making my move at 600 meters to go, but with 900 to go he was slowing and passed for the lead. Someone went right with me. The pace didn't feeling extremely aggressive or tiring but my thighs were tights and I didn't feel great so I didn't pick it up. I waited until 300 to go to start kicking, but it wasn't until the last 100 when I went all out. I ran 4:19, 5 seconds ahead of the next runner (prout). The Chariho runner finished 5 seconds behind him.
I froze before the 3K, and wasn't looking forward to it. My coach said he wasn't expecting a fast time in the cold and just to pace off the others. I ran closely behind two Chariho guys, one being the fast runner who ran the 1500. After 1000 meters, one dropped off. I paced with the other one for another 600, before taking the lead. I picked it up and pushed the last few laps, taking the win easily in a slow 9:41, must slower than I expected. However, this wasn't too hard to do. This was the first meet where I noticed how hard Chariho's track is, as my feet were hurting in the 3K. Definitely a confidence booster for the rest of the season, as I know I could've run both much harder.
Thursday: 7 Miles. I was planning on going a little easier today pace-wise, but not cut much off the distance. The light rain felt good at first, but when it started down pouring it was not fun. The rain was stinging me. I wasn't sure whether to take my heavy shirt off to feel lighter or to keep it on for protecting against the stinging rain. I took it off, but the rain hurt a few times. I stopped a few times to get out of the brutal rain. One time the entire side of the street was basically a 2-inch stream, and I got soaked even more. Pick-ups were tough on the track.
Friday: 9 Miles. Broke my fastest training run PR again, as I ran 5:57 pace for 8.5 miles. It got very tough at the end, as my thighs were getting tired. Very happy with run. I also PR'd for 10K distance (Strava says 36:58).
Saturday: 4 Miles. Another brutal track workout. Increasingly fast 400s and 200s. 4 each, with increasing recovery, going from 15s to 45s to 105s, before a 5-minute recovery before the next set.
Target splits were: 75/70/65/60, 37/34/31/28. Ran about: 73/70/63/59, 35/31/30/29. Next was a hard 1200, and I wasn't feeling great. Target time was 3:36 (72 per lap). The first lap wasn't bad, but I felt horrible in the next two and felt like I was running 90s. Somehow I stayed on pace and ran 3:36 exactly. I was surprised and unhappy to find that we had an all-out 300 after. I was so tired, but pushed it and ran 43 seconds. Threw up and coughed a lot after. Difficulty: 5/5. Possibly one of the hardest workouts I've done.
Sunday: 11 Miles. First time really getting to explore Carolina management area. After the very disappointing Great Swamp, I was happy to be very satisfied with these trails. They were really fun. I was looking for 8, but since we got lost it was 11. Good for mileage, but bad for a shakeout. Hopefully, I'll be recovered for tomorrow's meet.
Weekly Total: 50 Miles
YTD Mileage: 587 Miles
Happy I got in my second fifty mile week ever, also my 2nd highest week ever. I went too long on a few runs, but I also went too short on a few too. I didn't expect this. I'll probably be high 40s-low 50s next week, then with no meets the week after, I might get in a high 50s.
Tuesday: 9 Miles. I was planning on running a little easier before the meet, but ran a little too hard and too far. Checked out some of the neighborhoods off canal. It was a just okay run. A little chilly at first, but fine once I got going.
Wednesday: 5 Miles. Meet @ Chariho HS vs. Chariho, Prout and Narragansett. I was running the 1500 and 3K, not sure how either would turn out, depending on what shape the top Chariho competitor was in. I thought I could win the 1500, but the 3K might be real race. Since it was the first meet, I was only looking for 4:15 and 9:15. I adjusted my goal when I got there and it was very windy. There was plenty of time before the 1500 went off. Got lots of strides, but wasn't feeling great. It was cold taking sweats off, and I was a little nervous lining up.
When the race started, I wasn't ready to go out fast and let others take it. After 10 seconds, I was in second behind the top Chariho runner. I was planning on making my move at 600 meters to go, but with 900 to go he was slowing and passed for the lead. Someone went right with me. The pace didn't feeling extremely aggressive or tiring but my thighs were tights and I didn't feel great so I didn't pick it up. I waited until 300 to go to start kicking, but it wasn't until the last 100 when I went all out. I ran 4:19, 5 seconds ahead of the next runner (prout). The Chariho runner finished 5 seconds behind him.
I froze before the 3K, and wasn't looking forward to it. My coach said he wasn't expecting a fast time in the cold and just to pace off the others. I ran closely behind two Chariho guys, one being the fast runner who ran the 1500. After 1000 meters, one dropped off. I paced with the other one for another 600, before taking the lead. I picked it up and pushed the last few laps, taking the win easily in a slow 9:41, must slower than I expected. However, this wasn't too hard to do. This was the first meet where I noticed how hard Chariho's track is, as my feet were hurting in the 3K. Definitely a confidence booster for the rest of the season, as I know I could've run both much harder.
Thursday: 7 Miles. I was planning on going a little easier today pace-wise, but not cut much off the distance. The light rain felt good at first, but when it started down pouring it was not fun. The rain was stinging me. I wasn't sure whether to take my heavy shirt off to feel lighter or to keep it on for protecting against the stinging rain. I took it off, but the rain hurt a few times. I stopped a few times to get out of the brutal rain. One time the entire side of the street was basically a 2-inch stream, and I got soaked even more. Pick-ups were tough on the track.
Friday: 9 Miles. Broke my fastest training run PR again, as I ran 5:57 pace for 8.5 miles. It got very tough at the end, as my thighs were getting tired. Very happy with run. I also PR'd for 10K distance (Strava says 36:58).
Saturday: 4 Miles. Another brutal track workout. Increasingly fast 400s and 200s. 4 each, with increasing recovery, going from 15s to 45s to 105s, before a 5-minute recovery before the next set.
Target splits were: 75/70/65/60, 37/34/31/28. Ran about: 73/70/63/59, 35/31/30/29. Next was a hard 1200, and I wasn't feeling great. Target time was 3:36 (72 per lap). The first lap wasn't bad, but I felt horrible in the next two and felt like I was running 90s. Somehow I stayed on pace and ran 3:36 exactly. I was surprised and unhappy to find that we had an all-out 300 after. I was so tired, but pushed it and ran 43 seconds. Threw up and coughed a lot after. Difficulty: 5/5. Possibly one of the hardest workouts I've done.
Sunday: 11 Miles. First time really getting to explore Carolina management area. After the very disappointing Great Swamp, I was happy to be very satisfied with these trails. They were really fun. I was looking for 8, but since we got lost it was 11. Good for mileage, but bad for a shakeout. Hopefully, I'll be recovered for tomorrow's meet.
Weekly Total: 50 Miles
YTD Mileage: 587 Miles
Happy I got in my second fifty mile week ever, also my 2nd highest week ever. I went too long on a few runs, but I also went too short on a few too. I didn't expect this. I'll probably be high 40s-low 50s next week, then with no meets the week after, I might get in a high 50s.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Last Week without Races- Weekly Log: March 28 to April 3
These last five weeks have been really nice. Why? Because I wasn't doing track races. It started with a five days, two road races, a moderate week, and then track started. It's been somewhat fun since it's just training and no racing (track races are stressful), but the solo distance runs from the high school are not fun at all. Wednesday the 5th will mark my first outdoor track race since June 26th, my first track race since February 28th, and my first race since March 5th. The first two weeks were solid, but this one was by far the best.
Monday: 10 Miles. This was one of the few times I had been instructed to run 55 minutes (8 miles) instead of 50 (7 miles). I wasn't happy with the change as I already hated the school runs, but decided this would be a good opportunity to a run a longer loop. And then I realized I don't know any 8 mile loops as I'm not used to running that. I chose a 6-mile loop which went up old Hopkinton road (I hadn't run there since Feb.), across potter hill, and down canal. I also added on a granite street loop first to make more mileage. My fastest run from the school previously (for 7+ miles) was 6:23 pace, on several equations. When I was running much faster than that, I didn't want to slow down and pushed the pace, despite the constant rolling hills. These hills were quite tiring, and I was out of breath a few times. I took a detour on autumn, and even took the CR on hardwood down (a super steep downhill). I ended up finishing in 6:14 average pace, but ran a little long (8.5 miles). So happy with this run.
Tuesday: 4 Miles. I know, it's a big switch from 10 miles daily to 4, but that how the distance to workout mileage usually will be. Fast vs. long. We had six park ave repeats, which I was not expecting. I was not feeling well as I had a full stomach, but I felt much better than expected. Even though it felt decent, I wasn't satisfied as I came nowhere near any of my best times, which seems to be a problem with recent hills workouts. Difficulty: 2/5.
Wednesday: 9 Miles. After the hilly 6:14 average pace run, I was ready to back off a little. I was shooting for 6:20-6:25 today, and planned to avoid the hills. I was starting to craft out a distance pace plan, something like Very Hard Monday (6:10-6:15), Hard Wednesday (6:20-6:30), moderate Friday (6:45-6:55), easy Sunday (7:10+). I noticed that I've been doing this for the last weeks, and would like to stick with it, adjusting for racing. So I went to river road to avoid the hills, and went out hard immediately. Early on, I was experiencing annoying blasts of wind and lots of pain at and below my ankles. I even had to stop a few times because of it. When I finally got going (after two breaks), it was not any easier, but felt slightly better and I cruised at a 6:08 average pace until the turnaround points. Took a final break before returning, which felt great, expecially with the wind. I ended up getting 6:03 average, marking a new fastest training run (although I took three breaks vs. zero breaks Monday). Obviously, I was thrilled with this run.
Thursday: 6 Miles. I figured it would be two easy workouts Thursday and Saturday. I was very wrong, as Thursday's workout was one of the hardest ever. I was shocked when I was given a target pace of 2:17 for two 800s, as that was around mile pace. I happened to be a little sick that day, which would make matters even harder. The first 400 felt great for the first one, but then I got tired on the second especially with a blast of wind in the face on the first straightaway. There was 2-minute rest before the next one, which was extremely tiring. Splits: 2:16/2:18. We had another rest before an all-out 400. I was worried the recovery was not enough and thought I would run around 62, but I ended up running 58, tying a second-best time ever. We concluded with 4x400 w/60s recovery, which were only tough since we were very tired. Target of 71s, splits: 71/70/71/69. Difficulty of Workout: 5/5.
Friday: 10 Miles. I was surprised that the 55 minutes had been moved up to 60 minutes, meaning an additional mile. I ran a rolling hills CT neighborhood loop, but it was not enough as I was at 5 when I needed 9. I didn't feel great at first but felt better as the run progressed. It was annoying I had to add on so much after completing a bigger loop, but I got it done. I wasn't thrilled about having to do so much, but at the same time I was happy I might have a PR in weekly mileage.
Saturday: 4 Miles. I didn't expect another 4. We ran 2 fingers in the rain, and they were tough, but partially because I was still sick. I got through them, but parts were tiring. It was fun running in the rain, though. We did some pointless and extremely tiring sprints in the gym after.
Sunday: 10 Miles. I wanted to back off the pace as I was supposed to have a meet the next day (later moved to Wednesday). I was looking for high 7s pace on trails, but suddenly I had to run roads, and I ended up going way too fast. It was also much colder than I would've liked, and extreme winds near the water didn't help.
Weekly Total: 53 Miles
YTD Mileage: 537 Miles
I don't usually write after the weekly total section, but I'd like to point out that this break my previous weekly mileage PR of 49, also marking the first time I've run 50 in a week. The fast paces at which I did this really boost my confidence for longer races like Blessing and even some 10Ks, but my difficulty with the workouts lately has hurt my confidence for track races.
Monday: 10 Miles. This was one of the few times I had been instructed to run 55 minutes (8 miles) instead of 50 (7 miles). I wasn't happy with the change as I already hated the school runs, but decided this would be a good opportunity to a run a longer loop. And then I realized I don't know any 8 mile loops as I'm not used to running that. I chose a 6-mile loop which went up old Hopkinton road (I hadn't run there since Feb.), across potter hill, and down canal. I also added on a granite street loop first to make more mileage. My fastest run from the school previously (for 7+ miles) was 6:23 pace, on several equations. When I was running much faster than that, I didn't want to slow down and pushed the pace, despite the constant rolling hills. These hills were quite tiring, and I was out of breath a few times. I took a detour on autumn, and even took the CR on hardwood down (a super steep downhill). I ended up finishing in 6:14 average pace, but ran a little long (8.5 miles). So happy with this run.
Tuesday: 4 Miles. I know, it's a big switch from 10 miles daily to 4, but that how the distance to workout mileage usually will be. Fast vs. long. We had six park ave repeats, which I was not expecting. I was not feeling well as I had a full stomach, but I felt much better than expected. Even though it felt decent, I wasn't satisfied as I came nowhere near any of my best times, which seems to be a problem with recent hills workouts. Difficulty: 2/5.
Wednesday: 9 Miles. After the hilly 6:14 average pace run, I was ready to back off a little. I was shooting for 6:20-6:25 today, and planned to avoid the hills. I was starting to craft out a distance pace plan, something like Very Hard Monday (6:10-6:15), Hard Wednesday (6:20-6:30), moderate Friday (6:45-6:55), easy Sunday (7:10+). I noticed that I've been doing this for the last weeks, and would like to stick with it, adjusting for racing. So I went to river road to avoid the hills, and went out hard immediately. Early on, I was experiencing annoying blasts of wind and lots of pain at and below my ankles. I even had to stop a few times because of it. When I finally got going (after two breaks), it was not any easier, but felt slightly better and I cruised at a 6:08 average pace until the turnaround points. Took a final break before returning, which felt great, expecially with the wind. I ended up getting 6:03 average, marking a new fastest training run (although I took three breaks vs. zero breaks Monday). Obviously, I was thrilled with this run.
Thursday: 6 Miles. I figured it would be two easy workouts Thursday and Saturday. I was very wrong, as Thursday's workout was one of the hardest ever. I was shocked when I was given a target pace of 2:17 for two 800s, as that was around mile pace. I happened to be a little sick that day, which would make matters even harder. The first 400 felt great for the first one, but then I got tired on the second especially with a blast of wind in the face on the first straightaway. There was 2-minute rest before the next one, which was extremely tiring. Splits: 2:16/2:18. We had another rest before an all-out 400. I was worried the recovery was not enough and thought I would run around 62, but I ended up running 58, tying a second-best time ever. We concluded with 4x400 w/60s recovery, which were only tough since we were very tired. Target of 71s, splits: 71/70/71/69. Difficulty of Workout: 5/5.
Friday: 10 Miles. I was surprised that the 55 minutes had been moved up to 60 minutes, meaning an additional mile. I ran a rolling hills CT neighborhood loop, but it was not enough as I was at 5 when I needed 9. I didn't feel great at first but felt better as the run progressed. It was annoying I had to add on so much after completing a bigger loop, but I got it done. I wasn't thrilled about having to do so much, but at the same time I was happy I might have a PR in weekly mileage.
Saturday: 4 Miles. I didn't expect another 4. We ran 2 fingers in the rain, and they were tough, but partially because I was still sick. I got through them, but parts were tiring. It was fun running in the rain, though. We did some pointless and extremely tiring sprints in the gym after.
Sunday: 10 Miles. I wanted to back off the pace as I was supposed to have a meet the next day (later moved to Wednesday). I was looking for high 7s pace on trails, but suddenly I had to run roads, and I ended up going way too fast. It was also much colder than I would've liked, and extreme winds near the water didn't help.
Weekly Total: 53 Miles
YTD Mileage: 537 Miles
I don't usually write after the weekly total section, but I'd like to point out that this break my previous weekly mileage PR of 49, also marking the first time I've run 50 in a week. The fast paces at which I did this really boost my confidence for longer races like Blessing and even some 10Ks, but my difficulty with the workouts lately has hurt my confidence for track races.
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