Relentless

AM - 8.75 Big Workout #16 (attempt #2) 6x1000's CV.  Hip hurt again last night and I was very discouraged and didn't want to get up.  So I slept in a little and decided I could try to do these with my boys (as they were doing 8x1000's, but on the grass).  Eventually got up and went and got my warm up in.  Hip had some soreness in it, but it did loosen up as I got into the 2 TM miles - even hit the pace on them, but almost threw up after the first.  Started off on the first and just hung behind Austin and Kimz.  I could tell this wasn't going to work as I would have lost breakfast if I had eaten anything.  So I hung it up again and decided I would just retire to coaching.  Took Molly around after getting back from practice.  (Stratus grey 238.1)

afternoon - 11 Big Workout #16 (attempt #3) 6x1000's CV.  Throughout the day I kept thinking about not completing this workout and how I had got on one of my runners for not sucking it up when it really gets tough and relying only on talent (and man is he talented!) and not hard work (those who know my team can probably guess who I am talking about).  My words kind of haunted me and I decided I need to suck it up.  So I went down into the inferno which is my basement (unfinished with no air, just a fan blowing on me) and jumped on the treadmill.  Ran 2 warm up in the Five Fingers and then took it down to TM pace (5:52) for two.  This was easily the fastest I have ever run in the Fingers, but it felt great and my hip wasn't bugging at all.  Switched into the old Ohanas and started cranking out the 1000's with 2 minutes rest at (2)5:13 pace (3:12'ish), (2)5:10 pace (3:11'ish), and the final 2 at 5:07 pace (3:10'ish).  I felt strong, and although it was tough and I nearly threw up near the end, I finally completed this dang workout!  Cooled down for two back in the Fingers.  (Five Fingers 37)(Old Ohana -5)

AM - 11.4 Tortoise Fence.  Molly's Mile and then barefoot on the grass before practice.  Ran with the girls up to Tortoise Fence and then 8xbarefoot striders. (Landreth orange 372.2)(Barefoot '09 134.15)

afternoon - 4 Treadmill.  Ran an easy four on the treadmill.  (Five Fingers 41)

AM - 11.3 Green Springs.  Molly's Mile then barefoot on grass before practice.  Ran with the boys around Green Springs and home.  (Stratus black 420.15)(Barefoot '09 137.15)

Holden's b-day.  What a tough day.

morning - 3.5 Little Valley.  Just ran the XC course for practice and then we did some maintenance on it to get it ready for next week's meet.  Nice to take the mind off things and enjoy the team.  (Five Fingers 44.5)

AM - Big Workout #15 8 TM.  SGM course.  Ran with a good group of Steven, James, and Logan; fun group of guys to run with, we have fun and enjoy it, chatted about "Born to Run" with Logan since I read it Weds and Thurs.  Kept it nice and chill as we enjoyed the cool temps up near Brookside.  Coming off the volcano we move it into tempo.  For the next 8 I hit 5:20's-5:50's (depending on the terrain) and worked on pushing off from the feet and keeping a quick, solid stride - to me it felt like running should really feel.  Even though I had some kinks, I felt very good for not having run much this week and the pace was very easy to come by without overdoing it.  Thoughts went to Holden for awhile as I  moved away from everyone; its fun to think about him, but way sad too.  Finished up and turned to go back and get everyone, and happily they were all just right on my tail; good runs for all.  (Triumph 203.8)

What a week.  Running couldn't have been more secondary this week, but it also was a wonderful release.  

Goals for next week:  Try and keep it focused during big workouts.  Get ready for the meet.  Get ready for school (Thursday, yikes).  And keep on dealing with it all.