Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Oh Yes She Does

I am so loving these track workouts that I figure you are all as fascinated by the details as I am. (However, on the off chance that I'm, err, wrong about that presumption, you know how to let me know. Just be kind.)

Tonight's track workout:

4 x 1000 (that's 2 1/2 times around the track, 4 times) with 200 recovery
Target pace = 6:40 (threshold pace--whatever that means)

1 mile warmup: 11:43

1st 1000: 6:11 (too fast)

200: 1:33

2nd 1000: 6:22 (closer)

200: 1:30

3rd 1000: 6:37 (better)

200: 1:30

4th 1000: 6:42 (bingo)

200: 1:31

1 mile cooldown: 12:09

I will say that our recovery was amazingly consistent.

Now David, I know that intervals are not supposed to go from fast to slow, but I'm just using my old Timex ironman watch so it's tough to get it right.

I ran with a little group of three tonight (within the larger group of about 100), and they anointed me timekeeper, cuz I was the only one with a watch. I had to keep slowing us down to nail 6:40, which we finally did during our last 1000. I may eat these words later, but this workout seemed a little too easy. I could definitely have run it faster, but I am trying to listen to our coach into who's hands I have placed my running career, and who swears that he knows what he's doing.

Afterwards, a nice bowl of soup at Panera with S. (my first time there, I know, don't mock me), and some...hot chocolate!

Aren't I supposed to hate track workouts? So far, they are like a happy drug for me. It's a hill workout next Tuesday. We'll see how happy I am about that.

21 comments:

LBTEPA said...

If it makes you happy and someone you are paying money to says it will make you faster, then don't be second-guessing it! Enjoy!

ItchyBits said...

All that track talk brings back memories from my HS track career - I used to get such bad anxiety before my event - anyway those splits sound pretty darn good

Dori said...

I like track workouts myself. And I think they make you faster. Nice work!

Danielle in Iowa in Ireland said...

Dude, at this rate I still think you will be angling for a 2:10 with me! Go Speedracer Go!

Runner Susan said...

I love, love, love the track! And some people say track workouts make you faster . . . but I've yet to witness that on myself.

Calypso said...

Thanks for posting the details - it's definitely motivating me to add speedwork...when the snow melts.

Susan said...

I actually like track workouts... and I got to try Panera when we were on vaca last fall (not one around here, that I know of). So if I was there, I'd just join right in. :)

Kelly said...

I don't understand how you're out with a bunch of runners and are the only one with a watch? Isn't that like a runner prerequisite?

ShirleyPerly said...

Man, I wish I had enjoyed the track workouts I did a few years back. Maybe then I wouldn't be dreading the ones I have to do now. I envy you!

Anonymous said...

Sounds very similar to the workout I did today (except for the liking it part) My legs were filled with wet oatmeal before I finished the first one.

Oh well, glad to hear that somebody can do the 1000 repeats and nail them with a smile on their face

Calyx Meredith said...

You bring me hope. Track workouts intimidate me to the point that I've pretty much skipped them when they've been on the training plan before. Now that I've committed to actually doing all the workouts, I've been DREADING the track ones. I hope I enjoy them the way you do! Thanks for posting the details.

Judi said...

track workouts DO suck but they help your speed oh so much. I usually have to crap after a track workout.

IHateToast said...

i think you have hopes that danny will come running up to you and try to convince you that he's not a greaser and can be athletic, too. darl, that was a movie. or are you going for a juno moment? again, that was a movie.

i like tracks. they're spongy. oh, that wasn't a movie. that was a seinfeld episode.

Rich said...

Crank it up baby!!!

Anonymous said...

I can't believe I'm saying this, oh, Detailed One, but please give MORE details. I wanna do this!
Sounds like so much fun. It reminds me of swim team workouts in high school. Another detail you missed.....are you on an indoor track or outdoor?

jeanne said...

Outdoor track, baby! it's cold out there!
it's a local high school, at 6:30 tuesday nights. we're in groups by pace, and the track is 400 m around and .... well e-mail me and I'll be happy to give ya the details!

Rainmaker said...

We needs to get you a newer watch. Perhaps I can hook ya up with some watch peeps on that front...

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
xx

Petraruns said...

track workouts ... hmmmmmm ... let me know how they keep going..

In the meantime - hats off (and watches on). Trust in the coach!

Vickie said...

I love track workouts as well and miss doing them. It is like a drug because you get addicted to speed (the physical kind of course). You just have to watch that you don't get so wrapped up in it that you get injured. I think part of it is because you can push yourself and measure what you are doing without the stress of having to finish a race, which is when I usually hang back just so I can finish. On a track, you can see and measure in your mind the finish and know how much you can push yourself to get there.

Rhea said...

You are so weird. I loved and hated track workouts. Which reminds me ... I gotta start running track again. The spring running season is almost upon us.