Emily's training blog

So, I thought that I would try the 10 x 800 workout that everyone always talks about.  I originally thought I would wait until Tuesday to do my track workout, but I just decided to get after it today.  After hammering the last 10 miles of my 20 miler, I probably could have used one more day.  Oh well.  It's done.  

I warmed up 2.5 miles and then ran 4 x 200 to get the legs turning over.  Ideally I would like to run these all under 2:45, but when I ran the 200's I knew that probably wouldn't happen.  I really wanted to get through all ten.  I thought that was more important than running a certain pace. So, as long as they were staying under 2:50, I would keep running.  

2:44, 2:50, 2:48, 2:46.57, 2:49.32, 2:49.28, 2:48.52, 2:49.81, 2:49.19, 2:49.19  (How's that for consistency on the last two?)   I found that for some reason I could close the last lap a lot faster than I could get out on the first lap.  I guess that's marathon legs!    I don't feel hammered now, just kind of flat.  I ran 400 recovery in between.  I took a hammer gel after 5.  I cooled down with about a mile run home.  

FYI:  When I was 22 I could run 10 x 800 in 2:40 with 1 minute recovery in between.  Those were the days!  Of course, I didn't run a 20 miler right before either!

Today was a big day.  I braved the Jordan River Parkway again.  I carried my trusty pepper spray.  I didn't see any scary people, but I almost pepper sprayed a dog that lunged at me.  That will teach people to follow the leash laws!  

I ran down 1300 W to Gardner Village.  There was construction on the trail, so I had to cross to the other side of 1300 W, and access the trail by running under the bridge.  This added about .25 to my run.  When I got home, I was at 9.75, so I ran around the neighborhood until I hit ten.  

I felt pretty good, except for sore hips.  I just need to stretch them out really well today.  I felt great after about 4-5 miles.  I've been using Recoverite after my runs.  It doesn't get rid of all the fatigue, but it does seem to keep me from feeling completely trashed after a hard effort.  It's disgusting.  But, it works.   

I ran really early this morning.  I wanted to be done before Cole got off for his first day of school.  First Grade!!!!  I can't believe it.  I decided to tempo today.  Lily has surgery tomorrow, so I don't know how the rest of the week is going to go.  

I warmed up 20 minutes, and then ran a nine mile tempo.  I practiced with Heed every three miles today.  No gus needed.  I felt really strong and under control today.  I attribute it to the recovery drink I have started using.  Teren just thinks I'm actually getting in shape.    9 miles:  54:33.  6:03-04 per mile.    1.5 mile cool down.   

AM:  8 miles of easy, mindless running at Vista Park.  My achilles and hips feel a bit pounded from yesterday, so I kept it soft.  The park is only about a half mile around.  I ran lots of laps.  I did finish with about 10 minutes in the neighborhood.  I got so hungry after about half an hour, even though I ate before my run.  Of course, I'm constantly starving lately.  Nursing burns an extra 500 calories a day, besides running.  I eat a lot!

 PM:  After spending most of the day at the hospital with Lily, I met up with the East High team at Sugarhouse Park for some extra miles.  I ran a loop of the park until I found them.  They were running hill sprints.  I got the privilege of joining them on this venture.  They were probably good for me, but boy did they hurt!  Then, we ran 15 minutes of firemen.  I finished with a jog back to my car.  There's nothing like running with high school kids to get your sprinting legs going!  

I met Jenny at Murray Park for our weekly Murray Park/Wheeler Farm run.  We covered many . . . um . . . "interesting" topics, once again proving that I can talk to Jenny about anything!  It was an enjoyable run, except for the constant stomach cramps.  I will not be eating a Nutrigrain bar before running again.  

Today I ran my longest run ever!  And yet, come race day I will have to run five miles more.  I know that I can make it through a marathon.  The question is:  how fast?  When I think about it as 26.2 miles, it seems daunting.  It's probably important to just take it one mile at a time.    I ran my temple loop, and extended to Costco for the extra mile.  I like when you get to the point in a workout that you know you are going to make it through.  Today that was about mile 17-18, where all of a sudden it seemed, not easy, but doable.  It's hard to explain, but I've noticed that feeling in the last few workouts I've done.  

 The marathon can't get here soon enough.  I'm so tired!