Today, the plan called for 3×12 minutes at my Threshold pace (currently 6:45) with 2 minute rests in between. On the surface, this seemed a lot less intimidating than the typical big block o’ time at threshold pace. Unfortunately, I woke with sore legs.
You know, when the legs are sore and you’re still in bed, it’s not a good sign. I rolled out of bed, went through the pre-run routine and headed out for my run. The one mile warmup at easy pace didn’t alleviate anything. Holding 8:30 pace felt like a struggle. Still, when I hit the park, I valiently upped the pace to 6:45. It wasn’t so bad. I even accelerated past another runner at one point. About 8 minutes in, I started to really feel it. I counted the seconds until 12 minutes and slowed to a walk. I hit that 12 minutes (1.81 miles) at 6:37 pace. Hey, not bad – 1 down, 2 to go.
Of course, the 2 minute walk seemed like about 15 seconds and I started off on the second interval. I lasted about 2 and half minutes this time. I slowed to walk and cursed myself. Eventually, I got mad enough to induce a little bit of an adrenaline rush, but even this was insufficient to speed me up to even my easy pace. Finally, I saw a high school cross country team approaching from the distance and I managed to get up to easy pace and finish off 5 miles.
My legs still felt stiff in the afternoon for my 4 mile run (without Alice since she’s sick). Before I knew it, however, I was running at 6:30 pace. Explain that. I eased back and finished the 4 miles in 30:11. So, that made me feel a little better about the morning run – but not much.
Way to push through the workout Brian!
I always know that I’m in for a tough workout when the rest step seems too short.
And I’m sure I’ve set my airport moving walkway speed record at O’Hare a few years back. Got to the plan just as they were closing te door. Not something I’d like to repeat….
dude i’m starting to wonder if i will ever use jack again. lol. his workouts are tough! nice job on that first set and don’t worry too much about the second. i’m sure it was just an ‘off’ morning for you.
maybe your were so mentally worked up about the tough workout aspect that you psyched yourself out? but later in the afternoon the pressure was off, so it came easier? just a thought.