Seriously where is the time going? Yesterday  marked exactly 2 weeks until Wes’ medical school graduation. Which means about 2.5 weeks until we are packing up and heading out. These next two weeks are going to be busy busy busy!

This morning we headed to the gym to get in our workouts. Wes had a bit longer workout that wasn’t appropriate for the track, so in our effort to keep to one car I did my workout at the gym as well.

I started with a 2 mile warm up around the track. Then I hopped on the treadmill did a 0.25 warm up to get my legs moving and then did 6 x 800 with a 400 m jog in between each.

The actual workout portion of the run was 4.75 miles.

Here was a break down of each of my 800s:
1: 7:13 pace
2: 7:13 pace
3: 7:08 pace
4: 7:08 pace
5: 7:08 pace
6: 7:03 – 6:53 pace

I really pushed the last one. I was afraid to push too hard on the first several because I wanted to make sure I could get through them all.

After I finished the workout I cooled down by doing 2 easy miles with 5 quick strides thrown in. Even though I was looking forward to being outdoors this morning, this workout went better than expected.

The treadmill is a bit different beast for speed workouts than the track.  In some ways they each have their own difficulties, however I often feel like you have to be more careful when you do speed workouts on the treadmill.

I’ve heard many people say that the treadmill is great for speed because it pushes you to run that speed. Yes, this is true but that also can be a bad thing. I started my first couple 800s off slower than planned because I wanted to make sure I had something left in the tank. If we push ourselves too hard too fast it can lead to injury. Just because the treadmill will force you to run a pace doesn’t always mean it is a good thing.

Even if you do end up keeping the pace throughout the run, you may not be keeping proper form. In order to keep up with the pace you set the treadmill on you are compromising other areas such as form. Again, and easy way to lead yourself to injury.

While we won’t be able to completely avoid the treadmill, it is important that you listen to your body as much on the treadmill as you do outside. Especially when doing speed work.

One of the nice things about running on the treadmill is being able to have my water handy when I need it.

Today I tried a new product I was sent recently as a Sweat Pink Ambassador. A lot of products i’ve heard of, but before this opportunity I had never heard of Pure LYFT.

What is Pure LYFT?

• All natural clean taste
• Can be added to a variety of different beverages
• Adds quick energy
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives
• Caffeine equivalent to one tall coffee
• Zero calories

The first thing I noticed about Pure LYFT is that it was tasteless. I am always a bit leery about trying out a new drink additive especially on a workout, but this one seemed harmless and I am always in need of some quick energy!

All you do is peel the sticker back off the sick and stir into your water for 20 seconds. You will see the little particles begin to mix in with your water, but once you taste it you would have no idea it was there.

It is a great alternative to sugary energy drinks or coffee when you are needing a quick pick me up. While, I can’t say for sure how much energy it provided me because I took it just before my workout (and throughout), I do know that I would love to try this when I did an afternoon workout. Those are when my energy levels are the lowest.

Overall I’d say I would definitely use this again. It’s hard to find drink additives that are virtually tasteless and clean due to sensitive stomach issues I have had in the past. A+ in my book!

Do you prefer workouts on the track or on a treadmill?

Do you use drink additives to help give you energy?.