Hello, track

Coach Paul probably fell out when he heard I was returning to track. Actually, he probably felt like falling out when he saw me jogging up to the workout. Last track practice for me was January 15. (I went one time after that, but the 30 mph winds and freezing temp pretty much killed the party.) In Jan we did a 400,400,800,mile,800,400,400 workout. My times were good, and I have log notes about moving easily- which is a good sign for me. Track practice has been a mainstay in my life for almost two years. I rarely miss, and when I attend I see results.

But, there is a love/hate relationship in some ways. For one, I started feeling worn down. I reached a point last fall where I was burned out, and the VO2max intervals at faster than mile pace every single week were really starting to wear on me. Secondly, track used to be a very peaceful place with about 20 runners. It was a safe place to work on your speed, at your pace. It was a runner's world. Well, track is a little different now. The participant demographics have changed (mainly to triathletes-no offense to triathletes- I am one- but, triathletes are a different breed). It can feel a little more competitive out there; and to be honest, I don't feel like racing every week. It takes some committment to your inner being to make sure you are doing your workout and not getting involved in the times of other runners. It also takes some thoughtfulness and true love of running to make sure you are not judging or gauging other runners out there.

So, Almost 4 months later, I head back out to track. I complete a set of 11x400s in decent time. I don't "move easily" out there because I am out of track shape. But, there is something amazing that happens when you do start to move with ease out there. I am craving that feeling again. This is a good sign of things to come.



And, the athlete of the week goes to my sister, Rebekah. She has now attended track practice 4 weeks in a row. Bad-ass. Consistency is the key with track. I am so proud of her!


And, a picture of my friend, Frances. She said she missed me, and, well, I missed her too! We have run a lot of miles together!!!

VIP: To Laura, Charlie, and Joy...blogger friends and real life homies. Best of luck to you three at the Gulf Coast Half IM. I have seen the training you three have done. You are in top notch shape and deserve to have great races. I know this weekend will be very successful for you three. You have done the work. Have lots of fun and do your best!