Tough workout this morning! 2.6 mile warm up, then 7.8 miles of hills at close to MGP (so I’m giving myself the benefit of the doubt given the heat, humidity, and hills), followed by a 1 ½ mile cool down. Splits for the 7.8 miles were: 7:42, 7:23, 7:32, 7:39, 7:35, 7:44, 7:09, 6:26 (.8 mile). A couple of short strides, and then a dip in Barton Springs…when I got out my legs felt satisfyingly numb…well until I had to ride up the hills into the apartment complex ;o).
I felt good for the first couple of miles of (close to) MGP action..well it was mainly downhill. The next 2 miles were probably the worst mentally as they were the toughest hills, and I knew we’d had to come back that way too…although they aren’t as tough the other way round. At the turnaround I felt very tired, but managed to keep the legs going. I made it over the big hills on Exposition, and knew that there was one more on Enfield waiting for me. Once I’d reached the top of that one, it was a very very gradual gradient up Lake Austin Blvd. At that point my legs had a new lease of life after the constant up/down of the past few miles. I put my head down and worked as hard as could. With about 1 mile to go I decided to really put the hammer down and push with everything that I had left in the tank. I turned the last corner with about 300 yards to go, and just let the downhill do the work. My legs were on fire, but I could see the water coolers waiting for me….and then it was over. The jog back to Barton Springs was a little emotional as my legs were toast…there was nothing left, but I was contended. That was my best speed workout of the summer…and I needed it. I think it’s going to have to be super easy tomorrow ;o).
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