I've made this goal to start actually running again instead of just slogging around in the mountains having picnics.
So, I went out on PAVED path in light rain (no iPod, insert sad face). I didn't have much time so I settled for a 1/2 mile warm up. Then I did 4x800m repeats with 1/3mile recovery. My supposed "goal" times should be 3:08-3:12, but I figured since there was a lot of wind and I just ran 40 some-odd miles up and down and up and down and up and down MFT (Mount Freakin Timpanogos) so I should shoot for something a little slower.
In case you're wondering, I hate running fast. Sucks. So, here is what goes through the mind of a "slow picnic peak baggers" mind while she runs lame-o repeats:
Repeat 1: Hey, look at me! I'm running fast! Shoot, am I done yet? 1/3 mile? you're kidding me? Oh, look at the birds! I should run Pfiefferhorn Wednesday morning. and Lone Peak on Saturday. Oops, I'm supposed to be running fast... time to pump the arms again. -3:19
Repeat 2: Ok, this time, the wind is at my back. Gonna crush it. Ugh, this is stupid. This is stupider than bush-whacking. I hate this. ooOOOo! I did it! I ran fast! -3:12
Repeat 3: I wonder which is worse, this or bush-whacking through scrub oak. Definitely this. I'd take an hour of scrub-oak over an hour of this any day. Unless it's armpit deep scrub oak. That just sucks. -3:24
Repeat 4: Last one! Don't suck as much as the last one. Don't suck as much as the last one. I wish there was a creek to dip in. Where's the snacks?! This isn't even running it's just torture! -3:18
I know, distance runners are supposed to do more than 4 repeats. But I just did MFT! Ugh. Next week I'll do more. With music. So awful.
....But it dawned on me- when I ran my fast (for me fast) road races my training was harder and the races (compared to long ultra sufferfests) were easier. Maybe I should make training for my "fast" sort of "flat" ultras suck a little more and I'll be able race faster and the race won't hurt as much. Maybe.
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