Wheeler Farm Loops

Speaking from an education standpoint, there isn't a smarter way to train than to train according to where one's fitness is currently at accompanied with a little bit of fire to test their "current limits." The evidence is there and the end results that are obtained are consistently proven.

Sure, we can take a screw and hammer it hard and fast into a piece of wood (similarly with our fitness... we can go hit 3 tempos a week with afternoon strides with a 24 mile long run and get adequate rest adn get in fast shape quick) but sometimes the screw will break or go in crooked (as we can get injured, get too fatigued, have consistent poor performances, inconsistent training etc). If we take the screw and use a screwdriver, it may take a little longer, but everything will end up how we're hoping and supposed to end up with consistent races and fast times. When we have a great training regimen and been running for years, I would submit we use a drill more than a screw driver.

Weird analogy maybe, but you can't go wrong with that approach.

wistfulnesslessness.

Its really common sense, and I think your analogy is good. In the past, my races have FAR exceeded what you would think I could run based on my workout times. I'm trying to take a step back and let that approach re-create some magic again. I know that I respond very well to consistent high mileage and moderate intensity workouts - with the occasional "limit" tester as you mentioned.

"my races have FAR exceeded what you would think I could run based on my workout times" - a very good situation to have! Especially if your workouts get better and your races continue to exceed.

Coming off being sick, I really don't think this workout is as "bad" as you may think. In fact, I'd say it's actually pretty decent. I'm surprised you attempted it coming off of being sick (although I would've done the same thing...).

We all know you'll be back to rocking it in no time!

Probably a bit of an overstatement on my part... it would be more fair to say that when I'm "on" my workouts match up w/ my race performances very well - that is, I usually don't run strong workouts and then fail to reproduce that in races. I have a pretty good sense of what I'm capable of at the current time.

It's going to take some time to get back to where I want to be, but that's the great challenge of the sport! You gotta pick your spots a bit too... its hard for me to hold high fitness levels for long periods of time... this down cycle is dragging on longer than I thought it would, but if it helps set me up for a good fall campaign, then I'll have no complaints :-)

I think this is setting you up for a fantastic OTQ fall! No burnout or injuries for you - just the fire and desire. Holla!

You have a great perspective on this.

"forced" perspective :-)

I'd say a very nice workout considering your health lately. Besides, everyone really knows you're really Superman. Stop pretending.

Is it dorky that when I see the word "Superman" I just think to go straight to Youtube and watch the Man of Steel trailer for the 9th time?

Very smart and honest approach, Jake. You will be back with a vengeance. Of that I am certain. It's just a matter of when.

Not dorky at all Jake, you just made me do it again.

Jake, my wife has certainly watched that trailer more than 9 times!

Now that's a smart woman!

One of my 2013 highlights was (during the previews before Iron Man 3) when Andrea said "I like the Thor movies." Even if its just because of Thor's luxurious long hair, it made me happy. A girl who appreciates a good super hero movie is one you want to hold onto.

Since Superman is a theme of this, I'll contribute a youtube.. watch if you want.. made me laugh at least?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=desb0W6u80Y

Good job at listenning to your body Jake. Now is the time to be smart and patient which is not ever easy. But it will pay off in the long run and get you to that OTQ in the fall.

We are all supporting you.

If anybody is good at seeing the right perspective, it is you. You will be fine. Roll with what you are doing now. Things will work out in the end. Easy now = no injuries and no over training/burnout mode later.