track fan

Bonnie, this is the same exact workout I was doing a year ago, with about the same times, too, about 4:32-4:33 and 48-49 on the 200s! This is a good workout for stamina. I hope the weather is not too hot for your race. Track etiquette is always an issue on public tracks. People just don't care or don't realize how hard it is to dodge them when you're running fast and hurting. Nor do they think it's appropriate to watch their kids with their bikes and balls in lane 1 - that's the worst, because they're so unpredictable. I almost tripped over a rolling volleyball once running 800m repeats!

Hi Maria,

the track is a HS track and they are nice enough to let me use it (I always ask the PE teacher if he minds) -- that is why I did not actually ask the kids to move, otherwise I probably would have!! Having balls come flying by as you are coming around the corner makes it hard to concentrate on pace!

This was actually supposed to be a "pace" workout (since my race is supposed to be in 5 days) but

it looks like the race might not be a go. I emailed the race director and he will be emailing me back about what they are planning, but if the weather goes as is forecast they are expected record highs -- if I were still living in Nashville I would actually be "ok" (since I would have been running in 80-90F heat already) -- but we have only had a couple days that have been above 70F yet and I am just not acclimated to heat in the 80-90F range yet! And I would not be suprised if they cancel the race if the forecast holds.

I am bummed, but thinking ahead and might plan on a July race. We will be in Spain for 2 weeks and I probably won't run more than 5 miles/day (though who knows, if I find a nice place to run and I feel like it I might run more) ... so July would probably give me time to get back in 'race-shape'. I have been feeling a little 'out of sorts' lately - I don't know if it is physical or overtraining, but a little down-time in Spain will be a good test (if I better than I will assume over-training).

I am glad to see you are feeling better! I have not forgotten about you, and you will hear from me soon via email!

Bonnie

So sorry that the race doesn't seem to be working out. Does that mean you will be cheering us on in Ogden?

Paul will be back tonight thank goodness.

Ogden will be hot too but nothing like your forecast. If you see me throw some water on me -- actually that might confuse me and scare me, but I will be throwing some on myself.

I have been to Spain and didn't run a mile there because I did so much walking (I was in Barcelona). Where will you be going and do you know Spanish? I know enough to get around. I am still a little gringa, out of place wearing my running shoes on the streets (they are much more fashionable there).

I am bummed about the race, but looking forward.

I am planning on coming to Ogden - I might run with a friend for a while, or I might just be there to cheer everyone on!

We are going to be in Girona for a few days at a conference and then going to a little fishing village (Llanca) for another few days ... we know some Spanish, but no Catalan. Luckily, the last time we were there we managed on what little we know. I took Latin in college, so I can read most of the romance languages ok ... though I can't speak them well.

I am a little more "worried" about a trip to Taiwan we have in October -- since both reading and speaking will be a challenge!!

I am glad that Paul will be home tonight is he going to be at the race?

Bonnie

Too bad about the race, but there is no point in racing in the heat.

Are you stopping in London by chance on your way to Spain (or back)? It would be great to meet up! I was in Barcelona few years ago, also in July - it is very, very hot there that time of year. I would not advise running, unless early in the morning. Maybe Girona will be cooler. We didn't go to Girona, only Figueras, for Dali Museum (which was pretty disappointing, by the way). If you haven't been to Barcelona you really need to visit, it's only an hour away from Girona on a train. It is probably the only city I was truly excited to see, just so unique and full of surprises. You don't really need any Spanish, although it helps, obviously. We managed without any Spanish at all. Girona must be full of tourists, so it shouldn't be a problem.

Hi Maria,

We were not able to get our flights through London (though I tried). Last time we went to this conference we spent time in Barcelona (and ran a 10K there in Sabadall) - so this time we are heading towards the French border. Our time in Girona will be work - so early morning running will be necessary. I am not adverse to running in the heat - just adverse to racing in it when I haven't had a chance to acclimate!

Girona is one of the hardest places to get by without Catalan - they are very adverse to speaking Spanish (it is true Catalonia) Llanca should be a little better since they get many more French/British tourists there ... or that is my hope.

I am sorry we won't get to stop by and see you -- maybe in two years (for the next conference) the dollar might be in better shape then!

Bonnie