Emily's training blog

Devra and I ran really early this morning. We got going at 5:00 a.m. because we both had crazy schedules today.  This did not bode very well for our workout.  Devra had 4 x 1 mile, with a two-lap jog recovery.  I didn't want anything too hard, because I want to race well this weekend.  But, I thought I could handle this workout. 

We warmed up 2 miles through the neighborhood, and then did some strides at the track.  I thought 5:40-5:45 mile pace would be pretty easy based on last week's 1200 workout.  The first one I ran 5:38, and felt terrible.  The second I ran 5:40 and felt much better.  The third, I ran 5:39.  I felt like I was pushing, but not killing myself.  I decided to stop after three, but then decided to pace Devra through the last 800 of her last mile.  I ran this in 2:49. 

I know that I still have Saturday's run in my legs.  I think that had we run an hour or two later, the workout would have felt easier, and we would have been able to run faster.  However, I couldn't have run this workout a month ago, so I am improving.

We ran a 2.5 mile cooldown.  Then, I went home to get ready for cross country practice.  While I was in the shower, Cole found a fabric marker, and colored his entire face.  He had a big red beard when I came downstairs.  These markers are water resistant, so I thought that we would be living with little Redbeard for a few weeks.  Thankfully, I thought to try make-up remover, and it worked!  I learned something new today!   Needless to say, the fabric markers are now out of reach. 

My legs were feeling a bit pounded today, so I opted to cross train in order to give myself some extra recovery.  I rode my spinning bike for an hour, increasing the resistance every ten minutes.  While I rode, I caught up on trashy television.  I'm a little embarassed to admit that I am addicted to the Bachelorette.  I'm fully aware of the stupidity of this show, but appreciate the mindless entertainment that it provides.

My legs were nice and peppy this morning.  I think I will be ready to roll on Saturday.  I'm excited to be there two days before the race.  That means I can rest up and get myself in race mode instead of dealing with the chaos of everyday life with two kids.  It will be nice to be able to really focus.  I'm also excited for quality time with my mom . . . even if I do have to share her with Hot Scott (the boyfriend). 

I ran a 3.5 mile run on the river trail over to Millrace Park.  Then, I ran 10 x 1 minute on/1 minute off.  My original plan was 15, but my achilles tendon was not liking the lightweight trainers that I was wearing.  (I couldn't find my running shoes this morning.  I wonder if Lily has been wearing them again.)  10 seemed to be plenty.  To finish, I ran a mile and a half home from the park. 

I traveled to Seattle today.  In the afternoon, my mom and her boyfriend brought me to a running trail to do my run.  I shortly realized that I had strained my achilles tendon pretty badly yesterday.  This makes me so nervous for the race on Saturday.  It hurt the entire run, and I was limping by the end.  I stopped at 4.

No running.  Just lots of ice and massage.  I am very concerned about tomorrow's race. 

Completely disgusted and frustrated!!! I will write a more detailed report later.  Let's just say I totally fell apart.  I guess at least I made it through the race. 

 It's later.  I'm still very disappointed, but the original emotion has dissipated.  I can look at my race more objectively now.   I think Teren stated it best, when he said "your mind is faster than your body right now."  He's right.  I'm trying to run to my previous fitness, because that is what I think I "should" be running.  

Basically, I went out way too hard, put myself in a deficit, and then never mentally or physically recovered.  I went 18:00 through the first 5k.  No wonder I was already sucking wind at mile 2.  It just got worse and worse as the race progressed, and because I was getting discouraged, I never got into a rhythm.  In hindsight, the better race plan would have been to go out with the second group of women who started at around 6:00 pace, and raced within that group. 

After I started to really struggle, I mentally packed it in.  That was the longest second half of a half marathon EVER!  I just wanted to be done. 

So, the two major mistakes that I made are: going out too hard, and disengaging mentally.  I know that my fitness still needs to improve, but I know I am physically able to at least break 1:20.  That definitely would have happened today had I raced smarter.  My race was actually a 5k race, a 5k tempo, and then a 7 mile jog!

I guess the positive thing is that my achilles held up, though it is very sore now.  I finished even though I wanted to quit. (Of course, that might be because I didn't know how else to get to the finish line.)  I learned a lot about my true fitness level and my mental state, so I can set goals for the future.  I'm even more motivated to train and get myself to where I want to be.

I would post my splits, but they are so embarrassing!