Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Running Intervals: 3/2/2011

It was cold and foggy at the lake this morning.  The ducks and geese were active.  I smelled a skunk at one point.  I hope I never surprise it during one of my morning runs.   

I went out to do intervals again today, same routine as last Friday: 8 sets of 1 minute fast, 2 minutes jog.  I did my 1 mile warm up jog at 10:09/mile, pressed the lap button and began my interval workout.  I really pushed myself during the fast segments, with most averaging well below 8:00/mile.  For whatever reason, it seemed easier this morning.  The only time I felt like I wouldn't make it to the end was right after the 6th rep of the fast run, and I was able to convince myself that I only had two more to go.  I held back just a little on the next minute saving a little something for the final rep in which I averaged 7:21/mile during the fast portion.  I was wiped out after that and had to push myself through the last 2 minute jog.  I had timed it well and was almost back to the car when the end of workout timer beeped. 

I was pleased with today's run, and I continue to be amazed with my progress since last July.  Even slowly jogging a mile non-stop one year ago today would have been nearly impossible, yet I'm running over 3 miles consistently and have run over 4 miles a couple of times.  I'm not yet sure how far I want to push my running limits.  Right now I'm focused on preparing for a triathlon, which for now consists of:
1. Improving my 5K times and adding mileage in small increments
2. Increasing my swimming endurance

Today's Stats:  I did 3.57 miles in 34:29 for an average of 9:40/mile.  Comparing that to last weeks intervals shows an improvement in pace of 10 seconds per mile.  It feels good to be consistently running a sub 10:00/mile pace and gives me confidence that I can break the 30 minute mark in my next 5K. 

Next Up:  I'll be back in the pool tomorrow, hopefully pushing myself a little harder than I did Tuesday.  I haven't decided what Friday's run will be yet.  I need to settle in on a routine, but have yet to find one that works for me. I have something I think I'm going to try, though, and hope to possibly break it out after the next 5K.     

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