Quest for 4:00 - The Training of an Irish Runner

The Sunday Edition returns! I'm seriously considering moving this "feature" to become the Sunday Seven. Only downfall is I'll have to think of two more topics each week...but it could work.

So, in no particular order -
1. Yorktown Freedom Run 5k - Monday I ran what had to be the worst 5k I've run in years. 29 minutes. While I have run some slower 5ks recently, on this particular race I ran the first two miles in about 16 minutes. But the heat & humidity just ate me alive in the middle mile, and so I had nothing left for the final. I've never felt so lousy after a race so short. Seriously, I felt worse than after some of my marathons.

2. Intervals - had a so-so day at the track this week. Two miles of warming up running/chatting with Dave, and then the usual ladder of 200-400-600-800 in pairs with an extra 200 thrown in for the heck of it. I was pretty strong until the 600s. The first went ok but then really lost it for the second. I had to tough it out for the 800s, and that final 200 was fast but sloppy, form all over the place. But, I really enjoy the running with a group, especially for a hard track workout. Seriously, I don't think I would be out there if it wasn't for all the other people and the mutual support.

3. The previous two items have one major thing in common: HEAT! The thermostat has been turned up and its playing havoc on peoples running. Some of the other blogs and people I follow are mentioning the effects. Time to slow it down a bit, pace ourselves, and let the temperature adaption begin.

4. I'm slowing trying to phase things out of my diet, and replace with better alternatives. I gave up all store bought pastries this week, and have been limiting my chai lattes to one a day. This week I'm planning to start replacing the latte's with chocolate milk - not much better for you but definitely a cheaper alternative. I'm also working on mindful eating. More on that one later.

5. Finally, rest. This weekend was unique for me. I had nowhere to be, no schedule to keep, no plans to be had. Just whatever I wanted to do at the moment. It's been a long time and I'm glad to finally get some much needed rest. The only thing I would do differently is maybe get out of town. Again, not keep any kind of agenda other than to just be; however there are still a lot of the homeward distractions for now. Still, this is what I've needed for a while.