Yesterday, my schedule called for my first speed workout of this training cycle: 3 x 1 mile at 5k pace, with 1 mile warm-up and 1 mile cool-down.
I thought (worried) about this workout all day. Not a good sign . . .
At my son's 4-month check-up (16lbs, 25in -- big boy!), I thought about the run. Driving home . . . the run. Eating lunch . . . the run. All afternoon . . . the run. Obsessed? Maybe a little.
I just couldn't get it out of my head. Could I do it? Could I run full mile repeats? I like speedwork but I normally keep my repeats to 400s -- short and fast. Anyone can hold a fast pace for a quarter mile. But a mile takes a little something extra. Add in the fact that I had to cut two runs short last week because of my hamstring and, I admit it: I was nervous.
So I started to plan. Or, re-plan, I should say. I'll run 5 x 800 instead. I can handle that. I worked it out on paper and thought it looked good. Hmm . . . maybe just 6 x 400. Fast. I worked that one out and then . . .
What in the what?!?! Was I really working out a Plan B AND a Plan C this early in the game? My first speed session and I was throwing in the towel?
Um, no.
I got it together. I laughed at my foolish self and decided to take my own advice and live my Plan A. I have a training plan for a reason. The workout is on it for a reason. There's no way I can reach my A goal for the half marathon if I don't go after it. How many more shots am I going to get? Who knows? I mean, honestly, who knows what tomorrow will bring so why not go after your Plan A today?
So, I ran those mile repeats. All three of them. And afterward I felt wiped but strong. This training cycle isn't supposed to be easy and I can't wimp out.
Seven and a half weeks to go.
Bring it, Plan A.
~ Felice
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Plan A.
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15 comments:
Mile repeats are serious!!! I sometimes catch myself wimping out of a workout before I've even attempted it... good for you taking it head on!
So inspirational!! That's awesome.
I love "training cycle isn't supposed to be easy". You are so right, you can't get your A race by training for the B.
Great Job!
Sounds intense... I'm sick right now, do definitely no mile repeats for me! I would love to get some in before my race, though!
Awesome! So glad you did it. Always worth it - and you must feel so great!
Congrats. It's so tough sometimes to stop planning. I know I do that all the time, when I shouldn't be worried about what if. I should just concentrate on getting it done!
Great work sticking with the plan! Mile repeats scare me too!! But once they are done the feeling of accomplishment is awesome!
So glad you stuck with it. I love 1K and mile repeats for half marathon training.
Awesome mile repeats. I have totally spent an entire morning rethinking my planned run. Not sure why we do that =) I always find I am stronger than I give myself credit for. And you did the same!!
Way to get it done! The next one will be (mentally) easier. I love mile repeats...so much nicer than quarters, if you ask me!
Nice Job!!! So proud of you!!!
way to go! seriously mentally getting ready for speedwork is my biggest issue... so i'm hoping that as i get in a grove it will just be another workout
Hey, I didn't realize you had an infant! My littlest one is 5 months! I'm running a half marathon on Sunday...I'm a little nervous.
I have always gotten ridiculously nervous for speed work. I think about it all day, it gives me stomach aches, and I usually feel sick afterward. For this reason, I usually stick to tempo runs. I'm not sure why, but they don't make me nervous.
Nice job sticking to your plan!
I am learning to love (not quite there yet) mile repeats!! Good luck in your training HR!!!
Girl, I KNOW I've been there so many times! Trying to persuade yourself because of fear is the worst feeling. This does make me feel better, though, I'll admit. Now I know I'm not the only one, lol! GREAT JOB!
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