Mile Repeats

I ran a steady 5.5 miles with Karl on Wednesday morning before heading to work. I knew it would be a rough work day, but I was hoping to get out on time to make the workout. I did, but barely...

I bolted out the door from my office in Farragut North and jammed down towards the metro with my gym bag on my back. Sweating, I dove onto the metro then nervously tapped my feet as the train ironically stood idle. C'mon damn-it! The workout started at 6:30!! I finally emerged at Bethesda and bombed by way on foot to the track. At least I was getting a warm-up in. I changed behind a trailer on the track then proceeded to warm-up for a mile or so before the rest of the gang got done with their 2.5 mile warm-up loop. Thankfully, they had started a bit late.

Karl announced his intention to run 6 x mile. I knew his plan, but felt like punching him in the face anyways. That just seemed too hard. I told myself I would jump out after 4 reps since I was still banged up from the race on Saturday and the failed long-weekend runs that followed.

I hit the first 800m of rep one in 2:34 and thought it would be a bad day. I didn't want to go "all out", but I rallied and came back with a 2:29. From here it got faster but I held up fine doing my best to stay on Karl's heels and not in contest with him. I felt very comfortable and even was able to talk and look around while banging out 70+ laps. I ended up running 5. I might have been able to do a 6th but my stomach felt tender. I am glad I stuck to 5 and I am very thankful I got to the track with the team and didn't have to do this by myself.

5 x 1600m (400) Cutdown: 5:03, 4:55, 4:51, 4:48, 4:46

Best mile repeat workout that I can remember. I'm getting there...

14.5 for the day

I woke up the next morning and ran an easy 6 with Karl. We agreed to meet later in the day for a second run.

I feel as if I am on the verge of a major breakthrough. I am trying to get into a fast indoor (banked) 5k where I can attack my PR. I think it will fall with ease if I get into the right race...especially a race where I am dragged through by college horses. After I finish my "indoor season" I'm excited to race my favorite distance and crush my PR for 5 miles. Based on the aforementioned workout, I should be able to do that as well. The confidence I lacked last fall has been replaced with a new sense of determination. I have plenty of fight. I hope, once the real racing season starts, I can keep it up until early May.