I'm a former rower, looking at getting into some other form of competition after "retirement" from my pastime of the previous four years. I'm dedicated, but a little held back by my formerly 215lb 6'7" frame.
Went on my first long run since the Seattle Half Marathon, and was ecstatic with how it went. My goal for these long runs is to hit somewhere between 7:30-8:00/mile, so not a hard pace at all, just working on getting distance in. I'm playing around with my course, because I got bored of running flat laps around Green Lake, and I felt it hurt me on the hills in the Seattle Half. So with that, onwards and upwards!
Grabbed a Clif shot shortly before running, as I haven't had the chance to eat well today (law studies continue). Headed out down Ravenna Blvd., and did the outside ring of Green Lake at 7:15-7:20, which was really comfortable, and about what I was hoping for, as I knew the hills were going to slow me down. I then took Latona to 5th, went up 80th, and then ran from Roosevelt to Northgate. This stretch is pretty brutal, with 300 feet of elevation gain in a mile and half, followed by a 200 foot drop in the next half mile. Taking Northgate to 15th, I looked up at the hill I had to climb and cringed, and ended up climbing another 200 feet in 2/3 of a mile. From there it was all downhill, save a little elevation at the end, but this was pretty tough on my legs.
The advantage of ending with all the downhill was that I felt great cardiowise, once I finally hit my apartment at 9.64 miles, in 1:12:49, a 7:33. Was looking to do a 10-mile run, and with simple estimates (ie me guessing) I got close enough. Really happy with the split, as I was cruising the whole time, and the hills were quite brutal. Legs were a fair bit stiffer than I was hoping for, but I'm actually feeling pretty good a little bit after.
One final note, for some reason I thought it was like 25 or something, so I bundled up, as I can't stand the cold. Had a singlet and arm warmers with a long-sleeve tech, a hat, and some lightweight gloves. Of course it was actually like 40-42 outside, so had to pocket the hat by mile 1.5, roll the warmers up by mile 5, and shed the long-sleeve (I tied it around my waist, looking like a silly man) at around 8.5. As much as I hate the cold, it really wasn't that cold. Hope that continues!
Alright, enough procrastinating! Onwards and upwards to more thrilling property law!
Treadmill run with some incline thrown in. Same splits as last week, got it done a little earlier so I did some cooldown. Gym water was shut off, so I didn't have a water bottle which frustrated me a little, as I'm definitely a sweater. Muscles are a little tight; I think I need to get some new shoes. These beasts probably have close to 500 miles on them at this point.
Saw my dad at the gym on the stairstepper and lifting biceps, which was nice, as I haven't talked to him in a few days. Made sure he knew I wasn't going crazy doing finals.
So now, I'm just working on getting the mileage up while maintaining my splits, and looking for dividends to come! This week, I'll probably be sub-40, as I've got a murderer's row of tests, but next week and beyond... I'm truly excited. Looking for a 5k to crack 20, and the elusive 10k, which, for some reason, Seattle has far fewer of.
That's all! Test tomorrow, so I should study, or I won't be sleeping tonight.
Did a little warmup on the treadmill before an ab workout to get the blood flowing, then another little warmup piece, and then 45 minutes. Really basic, minimal changes to speed and incline. Really good considering how stiff I felt for the bulk of the day after the runs on Sunday and yesterday. Gotta make sure I hydrate better, and can't wait for finals to be over, so I can sleep. Criminal law on Friday!
2-mile intervals x 3, with 800m rest. Aimed for 7:20, 7:00, and 6:40 splits respectively. Trying to do this by feel, without glancing at the watch until the end of the run, and of course I went fast, at 7:03, 6:55, and 6:19 respectively. Need to get my feel better. Knee had a slight sharp pain, though I bonked it against a desk earlier today, so I think that's the probable cause.
Good run on the whole! 8.5 hours until my last final, and I'm probably going to be awake for at least half that time! No more procrastination, I swear!
Basic treadmill run. Was going to go outside, but missed weights yesterday, so I did weights just before the run. Felt solid, tossed a fast mile in there in the middle for a change of pace. Looking forward to the long run tomorrow.
