Up to Speed

The weather is finally getting to above average for this time of March. But while we may get 50, 60 even 70 degree temperature for this time of March, the mornings are still 30s and 40s. I skip the running tights today, but I still put a jacket, cap, and wear gloves. I have 3 1 mile repeats (actually 1600 meters). This is the 3rd time I have had to do this workout, and I have not made the goal pace yet. I’m determined to give it a good shot today. I feel it is as much focus as stamina. I run about 2/3 mile warmup, and I get started. By the end of the block, I hear the pace alert that means I am hitting the goal pace. That’s a good sign, but if I keep hearing that, it could mean that I get worn out after the first interval. In the second half of the mile, I hear the beeps again. I finish in 6:49, about 5-10 seconds slower than I wanted, but it is better than some of the 7 minute plus times I have had in workouts like this weeks ago. I get a 400 meter rest interval, so I walk/jog to my driveway, pick up a water bottle, and have a drink while I meander back and forth. Then I start off to run another mile; this one is just over 6:50. Another rest for 400 meters, and my last one is 6:45. That’s what I was hoping for – its 4 seconds slower than the goal pace, but its an improvement.