Had the privilege of doing a workout with my sister this morning. We went north to Central Oregon Comm. College to do the workout on the track there. The workout was 8x1k on 1:00 rest. A challenge to say the least. The target time was 3:07-3:08.
I was a but nervous going in because yesterday we spent a lot of time swimming and I played 18 holes of pitiful golf. Didn't know how the legs would respond or what factor the altitude (4200') would play. Jack Daniels claims that the reall impact of altitude isn't really felt until about 6-7,000'. But I think laws of physics suggest there is at least some mile impact even at 4200'. But i didn't feel like it had much of an impact. I didn't feel any particular shortness of breath or extra soreness in the legs.
After a 2.5 mile warmup around the college, I changed into my racing flats and began the slog. Rep 1 was in 3:07. I went out way too fast...first lap was in 72 seconds. So I coasted the rest of the way knowing I had 7 more reps to go. Rep 2 was in 3:06. Still a bit fast but manageable. Rep 3 also in 3:06. This the first mental gut check. 3 is a long way from 8 and thinking about the prospect of doing 5 more was less than joyful. Rep 4 was 3:07. Wondering how I was going to do four more.
By Rep 5 my sister had strained her left calf. Bummer. So now i was on my own. Granted, she wasn't ever running at my pace but there is some benefit in running with someone you know even if it's at a different pace. Did #5 in 3:07. Mental gut check #2. Taking each remaining rep one at a time.
#6 -- 3:08.
#7 -- 3:08. Hanging on for dear life.
Headed in the final rep I really wanted to hit something below 3:08. Managed 3:06 with a reallly strong final 400.
Really solid workout. | 