I don’t like to run with a goal in mind. I find I push myself too hard in those instances and that I don’t enjoy running. If you don’t enjoy running, then you won’t do it. And not doing it just isn’t an option right now.
So I’m trying hard not to run for time. I have a goal for marathon #4, and 1/2 marathon #1 and the 5 miler. I have goals obviously – I want to finish the 5 miler in less than an hour, the half marathon in less than 2:30:00 and the marathon in sub 5:00:00.
This? Takes a lot of work and dedication on my behalf. I know this.
So yesterday, I was really pissed at myself for pushing myself a bit harder than I should have for my easy run of the week. You see, monday’s are my short runs – usually 3-5 miles. In the early stages of training 3 miles.
I did three miles in 32:00. This is good, not too awful right? Right.
Except, I hurt. I should be doing 11:30/mi or so,
10:22 – mile 1
10:35 mile 2
10:43 mile 3.
3.02 miles. 32:00 not too shabby. 10:48/mile – srsly!?!
Not too horribly but realistically, I shouldn’t have been shooting for sub 11:00 miles – those are for speed days. At least not until I’m certain I can run those without sending my heart rate into the roof and leaving myself huffing and puffing like a pyscho. No one likes a psycho on the ‘mill right?
In college, a pal of mine that I used to work out with (when I worked out) would do 1 mile as hard as her stubby little legs would take her (think like 7.4) and she would be super red, and huffing and puffing as if she was going to die. Seriously. I never saw the true value in her workouts – I get speed workouts but speed like that? Doesn’t help you at all.
Meanwhile, I’d do my 30 minute run on the treadmill, followed by weight training, followed by another 15 on the elliptical.
Too bad I didn’t have more self-discipline and perhaps I wouldn’t have gained 20 gazillion pounds in college if I had kept that up (and laid off the Brubakers).
