Yesterday morning started off at the track. Just like every other Tuesday morning. If you ask me though it is a pretty awesome way to start off the day.
My workout this week called for 4 x 1200 meters with 400 recovery. As with all speed and tempo workouts it also suggests a 1.5 mile warm up and cool down. Totaling right at 7 miles for the day.
My goal pace for the 1200’s was a 5:12. For some reason today I had a really hard time judging my pace. On shorter repeats it is easy for me to get an idea of my pace, but the longer I stretch them out the harder it is for me to pace correctly.
When I finished the first one I was a little shocked that I ran it 6 seconds faster than planned. I knew immediately that I needed to slow myself down, but again my pacing was way off.
The second repeat felt a lot tougher, so I figured for sure I was going to be much closer to my goal pace. I ended up only finishing 1 second slower than my first.
I got some kick back in my legs when the 3rd one came around, but I still once again thought I was running on pace. Getting closer but still a bit too fast.
The final one came and I could begin to feel my legs tiring pretty quickly. I focused really hard on trying to relax and slow down just a tad. This one was the closest I got – 5:11.
I’m still really proud I finished the workout feeling relatively strong. I ran the cool down no a mile stretch of trails, which really helped me to relax and calm down.
This week has been a little crazy around the house. I have a couple big things going on (which I will share in time) and it has really left me feeling stressed. It’s a good stress, but I really don’t like when things are up in the air or aren’t settled. Hopefully by the end of this week things will be all worked out. Or at least that is what I keep telling myself! HA!
To help get me out of the house and a break from my computer, I took Zoe on a 2 mile hike in the late afternoon.
Believe it or not we were actually hiking, but then all of the sudden she got tired and laid down. I’m not quite sure why because after the 2 mile hike I am pretty sure she wasn’t tired at all.
To all of you dog owners out there – what is the trick to tiring a crazy dog out? We play outside 5-6 times per day plus 1-2 walks. I wish I had her amount of energy!
It was so relaxing and really helped me get refocused. I got home, made dinner and had a great and productive night. Sometimes you just need to get away to be able to refocus.
On a super happy note, I will be returning to my favorite place ever this weekend.
We are taking advantage of the last weekend Wes will have both Saturday and Sunday off with one last summer trip to the beach. I am already looking forward to laying out and relaxing! It may be a quick trip, but it is always worth it!
Finally, have you see the new PRO Compression sock of the month?
Marathon Purple Splash and Marathon Splash Royal Blue.
Pretty awesome right? You can use the code COOL for 40% off plus FREE shipping for all orders over $20.
What do you do when you are under a lot of stress?
Did anyone else go out on the track recently?
Wow- Great job on your splits. You are fast! I had 5 x 1000 on my Hanson’s training plan for last night and I was either way too fast or too slow on my 4:12 goal time (some as slow as 4:27). Running these on the 6th day, and the night before my day off really had my legs fatigued. The 7 miles felt like I had completed something much longer (like a 20 miler). Looking forward to today’s rest day.
I ran the repeats at a park north of Dallas and as I was finishing my cool down, the sirens went off! I had seen some lightening in the distance and a little drizzle, but I thought they were tornado sirens? I didn’t stick around to find out! I am new to living in Tornado Alley and with all the movie trailers for “Into the Storm”, my mind was thinking the worst and I jumped in the car and raced home.
I have had a lot of high energy dogs and they will (eventually) grow out of it. For our Border Collie, it took until she reached 11 years old, but she has finally slowed down 🙂 Does Zoe retrieve a ball? I have taught all our dogs to retrieve which really helps to get them tired out. You still have to do it multiple times a day, but at least you don’t have to walk them each time. Also, I hate to say it, but getting her a playmate helps too. Dogs that love to heard/chase, will love to chase each other around the yard. It is great fun to watch too – I never get tired of watching our little Boston terrier chase our big Chow mix around the yard at full speed!
Any time I have had a dog lay down on a walk, it is usually because of heat. Was it a hot/humid in the afternoon? The cool dirt or grass helps them feel better, plus they just need to cool down a bit.
-Run with joy!
Ha! Well thank you. I don’t know if I am fast but I am trying. I did the 1000 meters last week and they felt tougher to me! It is much different running after work as well which I will be doing again soon!
Yes, my husband will love to hear that your suggestion is to get another dog. He wants one, but unfortunately we just don’t have the time for one right now. Plus, my landlord has said no more dogs 🙂 Oh well! When we buy our own house we definitely will!
Oh yes, it is always hot and humid here! I am sure that was it – it was just funny because I have never had her do that before!
When Im stressed I love a long walk!
Me and you both!
it’s hilarious when dog’s just decide they are finished with a walk and lay down. sometimes i wish i could do the same on a long run…
I know right!? I have felt like that so many times when out on runs! In fact, I had that feeling today!
Great splits! I don’t deal with stress all that well, at this point going for an easy unplugged run is my best way to cope, it helps me work out my thoughts. Being out in nature really helps 🙂
Yes nature is always my go to for helping to deal with stress!
I don’t have a “real” track” we do have a place nearby (its paved) that is about ,3 miles around…so it works! But I do wish it had a nice track-like surface.
When I get stressed I like to run or take a bath:)
Yes, the “Track” i use is just a paved trail that is about .67 miles around so while it is not an official track it is still works perfectly!