Emily's training blog

I decided to hit the track and start getting a feel for my fitness level. I warmed up 2.5 miles and then ran 4 x 200 meter strides. I ran 5x 800 meters with 400 meter jog recovery. I thought I could probably run 5:40 pace since I haven't even hit anything under 6:00 pace in training. I ran 2:46, 2:47, 2:47, 2:46, 2:46. I seem to get stuck in a pace. Not a terrible start to speedwork. I'm thinking I an at least hit a sub 19 on Friday. I would be thrilled to beat last year's time of 18:29 but I don't know if I have had enough training.

I cooled down through the neighborhood. I realized halfway through my cooldownthat I forgot my tank top at the track. All the neighbors were eexposed to my belly button.

A nasty flu bug has hit the family. I may not make it to the race Friday at this rate. Good thing I planned for this week to be a little lighter. Maybe I will get lucky and avoid it.

I ran eight miles on the out and back route that Teren runs every. single. day. I felt a little rough the first few miles so I eased into it. I felt pretty good the second half of the run. 7:05 average.

I felt terrible today. For no explainable reason. I ran over to the track and ran two miles of speed changes and then ran home. I ran watchless. I felt like I was running through quicksand. I hope I feel better on Friday. I probably need to eat better. I didn't have much appetite yesterday with the whole family being sick.

Ugh. I thought I might avoid the family stomach flu, but I think I caught it. It's not horrible so far so I'm hoping for a mild strain. My legs and breathing felt good on my run today, but I still felt off. I'm still planning on racing tomorrow unless I take a major turn for the worse. But, I don't think it's going to be a brilliant effort by any means. We'll see . . . 7:14 average pace.

Murray Days 5k today. I spent all day yesterday and all night with a 102 degree fever and the stomach flu. I actually didn't plan on running because I knew it wwould be awful. My fever broke this morning. I still felt nauseated and dehydrated but I thought sinc I paid for the race I might as well go and jog it. The whole family was participating.

When we got to the park I warmed up for two miles with Jenny. I knew I couldn't beat her, but noticed there wasn't a lot of competition. So I decided to try for a top three finish. It's amazing what a little money does for your motivation. I decided to feel out the first mile and then go from there.

The gun went off and Jenny jumped to the front. I eased into it. About 6:05 for the first mile. I was in second at the mile. I tried to open it up on the downhill second mile. 5:54. The hurt set in in mile three. I started feeling dizzy and felt like I might throw up. I just concentrated on holding onto 2nd. 6:19 (ouch!) I crossed in 18:24. The course only measured 3.03. 6:06 average. Not spectacular, but respectable under the conditions. We'll call it a marathon pace tempo. I'm hoping for a huge improvement at Draper Days 5k.

I cooled down very slowly for 2.5 miles with Teren. Then I ran the half mile kids race with Lily.

I'm glad I ran, even though I felt horrible. It was good toughness training.

I was feeling this last week.  I'm still glad I raced yesterday, but my body was pretty depleted.  It was a tough run; hot, windy, muggy, and my ipod wasn't working correctly.  I hung in there pretty well until ten, but the last three miles my legs were cramping and didn't feel so great.  But, it's done and this "recovery" week that wasn't much of a recovery is over.  I ran up to the canal road, and then out to 4100S via 2200 W, down to the river trail and back to Millrace Park.  7:15 average.  

I got an elite entry into CIM.  I'm excited about running it.  I hope I can get myself in shape to run that OTQ.  I'm glad I have a good amount of time to work at it.  Anyone who wants to train with me, I would be happy to have the company!  :)