About six weeks ago I registered to run a half marathon in June. I decided that I really want to run a fast half despite the possibility of hot temperatures. That may be crazy especially given the conditions on Monday at the Boston Marathon, but I am sticking to my goal. To help meet my goal I knew I had to incorporate speed work into my training.
My currently training plan holds progression runs, tempo runs, hill work, and good old-fashioned track work. Well, track work completed on the treadmill. Still, I am now running 800 and 400 meter repeats.
To say this is challenging is an understatement. Running long is not this immediately exhausting, but I am loving it. I am thoroughly tired when I finish and my legs cry out each time I go up the stairs for the next few hours. But, I am keeping on with my plan. There is only one way to get fast and that is to run faster.
Last week I did four 800 meter repeats with an 800 rest in between the fast ones. I ran a 7:30 mile pace and the last one was killer hard. But, I felt good when I was finished. I felt like I had accomplished something challenging and with relative success. This week I did seven 400 meter repeats at a 7:24 mile pace with a 300 meter rest between each one. I think I fell in love with 400 meter repeats today. You run fast and it is over quickly. A win-win for me.
I must say that by 400 number seven I was TIRED! My legs really just wanted to walk and my arms wanted to hold onto the sides. However, neither of those options will get me a faster half time. I ran and gutted it out to the finish and LOVED IT! I am already planning on picking up the pace next week and attempting between 8-10 repeats. Can I do it? We shall see, but I am determined and I do have "Dancing with the Stars" to keep me company!
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