Middle of the Week

“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.”

This is the first sentence in the literary classic, "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. The author died yesterday. If you have never read this book, pick it up today. Great stuff.

Now, to running...

I am not sure what bug I had (still have?) during the earlier part of this week, but it did not interfere with my training. Needless to say, it was troublesome nonetheless.

After my morning run with Karl on Tuesday (8 miles), I had to lie back down in bed. I didn’t get up until 11:15. I contemplated staying home from work, but I had some time sensitive things to take care of so I finally got going. Work actually took my mind off my stomach bug and I got through the day A-Okay. I ventured out with Karl for an easy 5 mile shuffle at night where I felt so-so.

On Wednesday morning I met Karl for an easy 5 before heading to B-CC later that evening for a track workout. We didn’t really have a plan, but 800s sounded good to all those who showed up. I wasn’t 100% over being ill, but I decided to give it a shot. My goal was to run 6x800 (200m rest) @ 2:20. After the first rep (2:21), I knew this wasn’t as easy as it was on paper. I trailed Karl and hit splits of 2:20, 2:19, 2:20, 2:23 and 2:19 for the last 5. The back 3 were very tough. My stomach started to burn after rep # 4 and my right calve and hammy felt “pull-like” while shuffling each 200m rest. I forgot to pack my running pants and in retrospect, I should be wearing tights especially when the weather is this cool (low 40s) and especially when running this fast (70s). I am trying to make 70 the new 75 so practicing this pace is quite important. I didn’t turn any heads today, but I am glad I got through the workout. I am trying NOT to go “all out” so early in the season and often need to “check back” to ensure I’m not overexerting myself. Once the weather gets warmer and the race season draws closer, I will be happy to take a plunge into the well.

I ran an easy 9+ on Thursday morning hitting up every stretch of (natural) trail along Rock Creek that I can possibly run. The soft ground felt great.

My new training week seems to consist of:

Monday – easy 7-9

Tuesday – easy 9 in am, easy 4-5 in pm

Wednesday – easy 5 in am, workout in pm (10 miles)

Thursday – easy 9-10 in am, easy 5 in pm

Friday – easy 8 in am

Saturday – easy, steady 10-12 or “B” workout

Sunday – 15-20 steady or push (per Saturday)

Two extra morning runs (or second runs) gets me to 80-90 miles.

Edmund Burke, the coach not the poet, once told me to mix the distances that I run. I nodded in agreement, but have a tough time executing that plan...until now. He said running the same distance every day gets you flat. While running 70 mpw and under I have a hard time getting out of my "hour run" routine. Upping the mileage helps combat that. I realize I still need a semi-long run (12-14) in there, but...well, I really have no excuse. I should just do one.

I am in the middle of my surge, and all is going well.