Yesterday I had a nine miler scheduled. I almost skipped it. Almost. The entire day was filled with clouds and rain, and then some more rain.
I had three choices:
1) Suck it up and run in the bad weather. I’ve done it before, but I prefer to avoid it if I can.
2) Skip the run and hope that I do well for the race next weekend.
3) Spend some quality time with the treadmill.
I chose #3. After lying in bed all day watching movies and catching up on some blogs, I knew it was now or never. So I geared up and headed to the gym before I changed my mind.
Can I tell you happy I was with my decision? Sure, the treadmill can be boring. And staring at CNN on the television in front of you for over an hour can be painful at times. But, I was in my running zone the entire time, which was wonderful.
Not only was I listening to my favorite music for a good bit, but it was also fun to know that I had subconsciously dressed up like a leprechaun.
This was my second run in my new lime Recovery Socks. They work just as great as the pink ones!
Anyways, back to the treadmill. The ones at the gym cut-off at 99 minutes, and while I knew I had a pretty good chance of beating the cut-off time, I didn’t want to put pressure on myself. I had goal to finish under 1:50:00.
So, I split it up into two runs. I did five miles, then reset the machine, and did another four. I also stuck up a post-it note so I could focus on each mile at a time.
The times on the left were my goal times and the ones on the right is when I actually finished the mile. Great way to keep yourself motivated! I ran for 4 min. @ 5.5mph, then walked for 1 min. @ 4mph.
Using some math I calculated out the splits:
Mile 1: 11:26
Mile 2: 11:22
Mile 3: 11:25
Mile 4: 11:34
Mile 5: 11:21
Mile 6: 11:23
Mile 7: 11:21
Mile 8: 11:22
Mile 9: 11:18
Total: 1:42:32!
Not only did I beat my goal, but I ran 9 minutes faster than my last 9 miler two weeks ago! It was also my fastest “long run” during training so far!
I’m not sure where this “speediness” has come from, but I hope it’s here to stay for awhile. 
This week my focus is speedwork on Thursday and trying not to think about the 10 mile race on Sunday. Eek!
4 Comments
Nice job beating your record! Good for you for sucking it up and going to the gym! I’ve been bad lately and haven’t gone to the gym. I really need to get back. You’ve definitely set some inspiration back in me! It’s hard to see someone do what you do and not be inspired!
I love the leprechaun outfit haha!
Holy moly, you smoked your post-it times by LOADS. Nice job. Man, I wish my gym treadmills cut off at 99. They die at 60 so there’s plenty of resetting.
Those recovery socks look interesting. I’ve been contemplating getting some socks for my Vibrams because I’ve been getting blisters for my “long” runs (which are short compared to yours) but yeah.
Nice job on the speedy 9 miles! Keep it up and good luck with the race next week! Hope you rest up next week to get some fresh legs and smoke the race!
@Caity: Thank you! The hardest part for me is putting my shoes on and getting out the door. I’ve found out that the more I stay away from the gym, the harder it is to go back. That’s why I have a schedule every week and stick to it the best I can.
@Jess: Thanks! Yeah, I was pretty surprised but also proud of myself that I was able to run faster. Not sure about the Recovery socks in Vibrams, but I haven’t gotten any blisters so far which says more than most socks. I’m excited for the race this weekend but a little worried because it’s supposed to get up to 90*!