I let my virtual partner (9:50) get out to a good lead. I had Tyson with me the first 2.5 miles and I had to take a natural break. I didn’t stop my watch just to see how prepared I actually am. I used this as a mental toughness workout. I wanted to catch the virtual partner in the last mile. Saving as much energy as I could but still having the win within reach. I don’t think my plan could have played out any better. Going into the last lap I was just thirty-ish seconds behind. I still had enough gas in the tank to catch up to the virtual partner and pass him by over 20 seconds. I know its silly, but this felt like such a huge win for me mentally. Better yet, my “average moving pace” was 9:23 and I feel super 11 hours later. I’m very excited for this race. I’m not sure that a sub-4 is totally out of the question, but a 4:20 should be very doable with descent weather.
Archive for category running
This is the second study I’ve participated in at KU. Today was almost as cool as the first one.
I got strapped to an EKG.
I got a real breathing tube for measuring VO2.
Then I started running on a treadmill. 3 minute intervals with increased incline and pace each interval.
I was smiling for most of the 15 minutes. I’m pretty positive there was nothing but fear and anxiety during the last 30 seconds.
That was in the morning. At lunch, I still did my regular workout, but it didn’t go as well as I had hoped it would.
Jingle Bell 5k 2011
Dec 13
Only the second race of the year that I didn’t PR. I went out hard, really trying to improve, but I just didn’t have it in me. In fact, after the race I puked, sweat, and hung out by the paramedics for 20 minutes. I guess I was sick and didn’t realize it. Read the comments on the activity to see how I was feeling the day of the race.
I would say that 2011 has been a pretty great year. After surgery and having the baby, I was still able to squeak out two more PR before the end of the year. I’m a little battle damaged, but I’ve had a good rest and I’m ready to move on.
Official time: 24:03.5
10th of 50 in my age group!!!
Gobbler Grind 2011
Nov 20
A PR is a PR.
My goal was 1:52:59. My official time was 1:53:25. I’m happy. Tons of friendly faces. I know I pushed it because its over 12 hours after the race and my body is aching. This is a 2.5 minute PR over the PR I set just last month. A PR is a PR. This was another reminder not to eat Mexican food the night before a race, no matter how good your feeling about your race. In addition to that rule, stick to restaurants you know, when you can. Trying out a new restaurant the night before a race is very risky.
…right after I run the 5k on December 5th. Then I will take a break. Until January 1st. But I might do some swimming, P90x or cheerleading just to keep from going crazy. But for sure no running or biking.
I’m starting to feel some wear and tear. I’m still super motivated though. I have two more races on the calendar this year and I think I can really improve on my times.
The positive peer pressure is everywhere. The team at work continues to provide tons of motivation and my support at home is increasing as well.
With budget and time constraints increasing for 2012, there are have been some tough decisions. With regards to my budget the decisions have already been made. I will be riding the same bike in 2012. I’ve made a race schedule that is very budget friendly (thanks to my employer). I’ve decided that quality coaching is more important than a few extra medals and/or t-shirts.
I’m also needing to improve my use of time. Getting workouts done over the lunch hour (hour+) requires planning and efficiency. The math works out though. If I just get faster, I’m not out on the road as much. It works for all types of workouts too. Faster on the bike and faster runs make for more efficient lunches. What a concept right?
To get faster on the bike, I’m going to get fitted by a professional. I’m looking for efficiency and this seems like a very easy step. I’ve planned on doing it in the past, but never had the extra cash to pull the trigger. Well, I’m planning for it this year.
The other thing I need professional help with is “flip-turns” in the pool. I figure the extra 10-20 seconds I’m hanging out near the walls isn’t really worth the time away from my family. Swimming is the workout that I won’t be doing over lunch, so the more efficient I am here, the more time I get with my family. Again, easy math.
Today was a good workout and my confidence is high. I’ve set some goals for 2012 and I think I’m doing a much better job of planning. I want to finish the year with a couple more PRs then rest. I’m excited for what is to come.
Today is the first day I did mile-repeats properly.
Peer pressure
Nov 6
I’ve been having some problems with my feet, mostly my right foot. Today Jillian suggested that I’m training injured due to peer pressure from my “triathlon buddies.” Aaron K. cut his run short for his injury, but mine didn’t bother me until my last lap.
The real peer pressure, if any, isn’t coming from my triathlon buddies, its coming from Steve M. Yesterday he set at PR on his 5k and updated his training plan. His consistency and discipline is incredible. I definitely feel like I have to step up my game for the marathon in March.
This morning I wanted to run the the loop faster than I did last week. I gained a lot of confidence today. Knowing that I can run that loop consistently feels great.
This week I fell off the plan in order to get some extra swim time in. I think it was worth it. If I ever need to drop a couple pounds, all I have to do is get in an extra swim workout.
