So my right hamstring is getting better and I'm ramping things up for next Sunday's ING Ottawa half marathon.
The last two weeks have been fairly easy in terms of running mileage, but important in terms of rehabbing my right leg. In addition to allowing me to recover, the light run schedule allowed me to enjoy the trip to Florida for Anne's half ironman competition.
We took the kids and had a great time!
The weather was hot and sunny for the most part and even though it was a short trip (6 days) we packed a lot in, including Anne's competition. Which btw, she rocked despite a crash on her bike. She finished in 6 hours and 28 minutes, placing 49th in her age group!
Anne's performance has inspired me to post a good finish time next weekend. And despite my lack of training the last few weeks, Ian told me to not over-think things and just step on the gas pedal.
So "run fast, run strong" will be my mantra throughout the race and when things get tough I'll rely on that to keep me going...that and the fact a friend from high school will be running with me and will help pace me. He just ran the Boston Marathon and should be able to push me. I haven't told him, but my/our goal is to post a 1:30 or faster time.
What will also provide some inspiration is the fact that two of my friends are running their first 5k races on the Saturday night of race weekend. I've been helping Ron and David train for the race and I plan to watch them at the finish line....if they can go from the couch to completing a 5k after only a few weeks of training, I can run fast for my race.
I'll let you know how things go!
About Me
- fedrunner
- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Trying to reach my full potential as a masters runner
Showing posts with label half marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label half marathon. Show all posts
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Another tough long run
I don't know why, but today's 18k run was a killer!
Maybe it was because I was travelling for work this week, or because I was fighting off some cold or flu bug or that I didn't get enough sleep while I was out of town, maybe it was a combination of everything. Anyway, today's run was no fun.
The weather was nice so decided to I run outside. The plan called for me to run the first 4k at a 5:05/k pace and then to bump it up to a 4:50/k pace for 8k. And while the weather was warm, 2C, there was about a 20k north wind that I had to fight head-on for the first 10k. Plus I had to dodge and maneuver around some big puddles, often having to run on the snowbanks along my route to avoid the water.
Perhaps having to work so hard in those first 10 to 11k to maintain my pace while dealing with the wind and puddles contributed to the difficult of the run. All I know is that for the first 13k I was doing fine, then it was as if I hit a wall!
At the 12k mark, I increased my pace to 4:45/k for 3k, but could only maintain that pace for 2k. So I slowed to a 5:00 minutes per k pace for a kilometre, then tried to run a kilometre at 4:45, but could only manage a 4:50/k pace. Then it got really difficult because I had to run up a good sized hill that was about 300m long. All I could manage was a 5:20/k pace, including walking about 50m.
I was supposed to run 2 of the last 3k at a 4:35/k pace, but by the 17k point I had not been able to do that. So I sucked it up, dug deep and ran my final kilometre in 4 minutes and 35 seconds. I was done!
Two tough long runs on consecutive weekends. I don't know what's going on, but it's not helping build my confidence.
I bailed on the 10k race I was planning to run yesterday, because I just wasn't feeling it. I'm glad I did. I hadn't entered the race, so bailing was easy. I'm entered in a 10k race April 10th and then I'm running a half marathon with my buddy Glen, May 1st in Waterloo.
My goal is to run the 10k under 40 minutes. To do that, I'll need to get out of this funk and log some positive runs the next month. The half marathon will be a training run for me as I'm pacing Glen to a 1:40 goal time.
However, if my long runs keep sucking, Glen may have to pace me!
Maybe it was because I was travelling for work this week, or because I was fighting off some cold or flu bug or that I didn't get enough sleep while I was out of town, maybe it was a combination of everything. Anyway, today's run was no fun.
The weather was nice so decided to I run outside. The plan called for me to run the first 4k at a 5:05/k pace and then to bump it up to a 4:50/k pace for 8k. And while the weather was warm, 2C, there was about a 20k north wind that I had to fight head-on for the first 10k. Plus I had to dodge and maneuver around some big puddles, often having to run on the snowbanks along my route to avoid the water.
Perhaps having to work so hard in those first 10 to 11k to maintain my pace while dealing with the wind and puddles contributed to the difficult of the run. All I know is that for the first 13k I was doing fine, then it was as if I hit a wall!
At the 12k mark, I increased my pace to 4:45/k for 3k, but could only maintain that pace for 2k. So I slowed to a 5:00 minutes per k pace for a kilometre, then tried to run a kilometre at 4:45, but could only manage a 4:50/k pace. Then it got really difficult because I had to run up a good sized hill that was about 300m long. All I could manage was a 5:20/k pace, including walking about 50m.
I was supposed to run 2 of the last 3k at a 4:35/k pace, but by the 17k point I had not been able to do that. So I sucked it up, dug deep and ran my final kilometre in 4 minutes and 35 seconds. I was done!
Two tough long runs on consecutive weekends. I don't know what's going on, but it's not helping build my confidence.
I bailed on the 10k race I was planning to run yesterday, because I just wasn't feeling it. I'm glad I did. I hadn't entered the race, so bailing was easy. I'm entered in a 10k race April 10th and then I'm running a half marathon with my buddy Glen, May 1st in Waterloo.
My goal is to run the 10k under 40 minutes. To do that, I'll need to get out of this funk and log some positive runs the next month. The half marathon will be a training run for me as I'm pacing Glen to a 1:40 goal time.
However, if my long runs keep sucking, Glen may have to pace me!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Great week!
It started last Saturday with an 8k run and ended with 17 kilometres yesterday - 8 straight days of running...a first for me!
This week's total of 53k was my highest since before the half marathon January 15th. I was surprised at how strong I felt during yesterday's long run and how great my legs feel today.
I ran inside on the treadmill because it was raining all day and the thought of slogging through the slush and puddles on the sidewalks and roads was not appealing. As much as I dislike the treadmill, there are advantages on days like yesterday.
Ian had the run structured for the pace to increase every 2k until the 10k mark when the paces slowed every 2k, with the slowest pace over the last 1k. The pace changes helped break up the monotony of the run and to make it even more interesting, I varied the incline every 500m or so from the 5k point onward, going from a 1% grade up to as high as 4%.
I started at a 5:10/pace, with the fastest pace being 4:50/k from the 8 to 10k points. The varying inclines really worked my legs, but considering the mileage I had racked up the previous 7 days, it wasn't a killer run and I felt much stronger at the end of the run than I had at the finish of my 15k run the previous Sunday.
I have to admit, when I first looked at the plan Ian had developed for me this past week, I thought he was trying to kill me! Now that it's over, I feel awesome physically and running as many days consecutively as I have gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence in my conditioning and ability to push myself.
I guess Ian really does know what he's doing. :)
I had planned to run the St. Paddy's Day 10k here in Ottawa next Saturday the 12th, but I haven't entered yet. I'm going to enter at the last minute Saturday morning if the weather is reasonable and spots remain in the event. I have no desire to run in the snow, rain or cold...all of which we've been getting a lot of recently.
And speaking of weather, the rain turned to snow over night, so there's about 7cm of the white stuff waiting for me and my snow blower. I'm ready for winter to leave!
Have a great week!
This week's total of 53k was my highest since before the half marathon January 15th. I was surprised at how strong I felt during yesterday's long run and how great my legs feel today.
I ran inside on the treadmill because it was raining all day and the thought of slogging through the slush and puddles on the sidewalks and roads was not appealing. As much as I dislike the treadmill, there are advantages on days like yesterday.
Ian had the run structured for the pace to increase every 2k until the 10k mark when the paces slowed every 2k, with the slowest pace over the last 1k. The pace changes helped break up the monotony of the run and to make it even more interesting, I varied the incline every 500m or so from the 5k point onward, going from a 1% grade up to as high as 4%.
I started at a 5:10/pace, with the fastest pace being 4:50/k from the 8 to 10k points. The varying inclines really worked my legs, but considering the mileage I had racked up the previous 7 days, it wasn't a killer run and I felt much stronger at the end of the run than I had at the finish of my 15k run the previous Sunday.
I have to admit, when I first looked at the plan Ian had developed for me this past week, I thought he was trying to kill me! Now that it's over, I feel awesome physically and running as many days consecutively as I have gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence in my conditioning and ability to push myself.
I guess Ian really does know what he's doing. :)
I had planned to run the St. Paddy's Day 10k here in Ottawa next Saturday the 12th, but I haven't entered yet. I'm going to enter at the last minute Saturday morning if the weather is reasonable and spots remain in the event. I have no desire to run in the snow, rain or cold...all of which we've been getting a lot of recently.
And speaking of weather, the rain turned to snow over night, so there's about 7cm of the white stuff waiting for me and my snow blower. I'm ready for winter to leave!
Have a great week!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Two days to go!
Well I made it to Atlanta late last night, but as I drove the hour or so north to my buddy Bryan's house in Buford, I could have sworn I was still in Ottawa!
They have as much snow here as we do back home. Large patches of ice and snow were everywhere on the highways and streets, with some lanes completely impassable and abandoned vehicles dotted the roadside. I can only imagine the chaos the storm that passed through here three days ago created.
I managed to arrive safe and sound at Bryan's at about 1am. We hadn't seen each other in a few years, so stayed up for an hour or so catching up on what has transpired in our busy lives. I finally made it to bed around 2:30am, so I'm a bit bleary-eyed right now....and hungry!
I just realized I haven't eaten anything since before boarding my plane at 5:30pm last night...no wonder my stomach is growling.
The waiting game is on....roughly 48 hours from now I'll be approaching the finish line of the half marathon and realizing my goal of qualifying for the NYC Marathon.
Not much to do until then but relax and rest...and eat!
They have as much snow here as we do back home. Large patches of ice and snow were everywhere on the highways and streets, with some lanes completely impassable and abandoned vehicles dotted the roadside. I can only imagine the chaos the storm that passed through here three days ago created.
I managed to arrive safe and sound at Bryan's at about 1am. We hadn't seen each other in a few years, so stayed up for an hour or so catching up on what has transpired in our busy lives. I finally made it to bed around 2:30am, so I'm a bit bleary-eyed right now....and hungry!
I just realized I haven't eaten anything since before boarding my plane at 5:30pm last night...no wonder my stomach is growling.
The waiting game is on....roughly 48 hours from now I'll be approaching the finish line of the half marathon and realizing my goal of qualifying for the NYC Marathon.
Not much to do until then but relax and rest...and eat!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Well if he says I can....
Only 12 days until race day....am I ready?
Ian sent weeks 9 and 10 of my training plan yesterday along with a goal time for the half marathon of 1:28:30!
When I saw those numbers I was a bit surprised and very much overwhelmed. I thought running 1:30 or slightly under that time would be challenging enough, but possible. I have run a 1:34:44 or a 4:30 per km pace for the 21.1km distance. However, Ian expects me to shave more than 6 minutes off my PR and to run each km at between a 4:15 and a 4:10 per km pace...is he nuts?
After reviewing the runs he had planned for me over the next two weeks and fully digesting the goal set for me, I sent Ian an email essentially asking him if he had lost his freakin' mind!
This morning I read his response. He's confident a 1:28 half marathon is well within my reach based on the training I've done to date. In fact, he thinks I'm capable of running faster.
He's asking me to view the race as just another training run. As he points out, while many of the tempo and interval workouts over the last 8 weeks have been challenging and I've had reservations about being able to complete them, I've been successful with each one. Why not the one he has planned for me on January 15th?
I can't really argue with that, I suppose. And after all, he is the coach and professional. I hired him for his expertise and knowledge.
I'll just have to trust and believe I'm ready to go where I've never gone before!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Another strong run
Yesterday afternoon I had a great 10k run which included some speed work. It felt awesome and makes me more confident that I can achieve my goal of a 1 hour and 30 minute or less half marathon result in a couple of weeks.
I started out with 2k at a 5:10 per km pace and then did three repeats of 1k at a 3:55 per km pace, followed by 1k at a 4:55 per km pace. Surprisingly, the 3:55 pace felt comfortable, like I could run that pace for a good distance, signalling to me that I'm getting faster and peaking at the right time.
Overall the run was 47 minutes at an average pace of 4:42 per km. Later today I'm running 22k outside at a relatively pedestrian average pace of just under 5 minutes per km.
I'm looking forward to getting outside and to what Ian has in store for me over the next 12 days leading up to the race.
I started out with 2k at a 5:10 per km pace and then did three repeats of 1k at a 3:55 per km pace, followed by 1k at a 4:55 per km pace. Surprisingly, the 3:55 pace felt comfortable, like I could run that pace for a good distance, signalling to me that I'm getting faster and peaking at the right time.
Overall the run was 47 minutes at an average pace of 4:42 per km. Later today I'm running 22k outside at a relatively pedestrian average pace of just under 5 minutes per km.
I'm looking forward to getting outside and to what Ian has in store for me over the next 12 days leading up to the race.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Dedicated or crazy...you be the judge!
It was 7:45pm on New Year's Eve and I was all alone in the gym at work, powering up the treadmill to get in the 9k run I had bailed on earlier in the day. Anne and the kids were already at Celine's house eating, drinking and being merry.
As I increased the speed to a 5:15 per km pace, I thought to myself, "What's wrong with this picture?"
However, with my half marathon only two weeks away, I knew this was a crucial week in my training cycle. And as I mentioned in an earlier post, I had to juggle my training plan this week due to some insomnia Tuesday night. So although I was not happy to be running on the last night of 2010, I knew missing a run at this stage of the game could negatively impact my performance on January 15th.
After warming up for 2k, I began the first of five, 1k intervals as follows - 750m with the treadmill at a 6% incline, followed by 250m at a 0% incline, all at a 4:45 per km pace.
The first interval went okay and so did the next two, but as I started the 4th interval, I was having serious thoughts about ending the run early. My heart was pounding and my legs felt like cement pillars.
Somehow I was able to convince myself that the pain was worth it and that if I was going to be here, I might as well complete the entire run. However, as the 7k mark approached, I felt a sense of relief as I could slow the speed down to a very manageable 5:15 per km pace for the last 2k.
After, as I walked from the gym to the change room, I was proud on myself for not bailing on the last two intervals, but a weird feeling washed over me...the place was eerily silent...spooky really...like being in a horror movie and I wasn't the leading character...I was half expecting to run smack into Jason Voorhees around the next corner!
Fortunately, I survived and was able to join the rest of the gang to ring-in 2011 satisfied and guilt-free.
Happy New Year everyone and good luck with all your resolutions and goals!
As I increased the speed to a 5:15 per km pace, I thought to myself, "What's wrong with this picture?"
However, with my half marathon only two weeks away, I knew this was a crucial week in my training cycle. And as I mentioned in an earlier post, I had to juggle my training plan this week due to some insomnia Tuesday night. So although I was not happy to be running on the last night of 2010, I knew missing a run at this stage of the game could negatively impact my performance on January 15th.
After warming up for 2k, I began the first of five, 1k intervals as follows - 750m with the treadmill at a 6% incline, followed by 250m at a 0% incline, all at a 4:45 per km pace.
The first interval went okay and so did the next two, but as I started the 4th interval, I was having serious thoughts about ending the run early. My heart was pounding and my legs felt like cement pillars.
Somehow I was able to convince myself that the pain was worth it and that if I was going to be here, I might as well complete the entire run. However, as the 7k mark approached, I felt a sense of relief as I could slow the speed down to a very manageable 5:15 per km pace for the last 2k.
After, as I walked from the gym to the change room, I was proud on myself for not bailing on the last two intervals, but a weird feeling washed over me...the place was eerily silent...spooky really...like being in a horror movie and I wasn't the leading character...I was half expecting to run smack into Jason Voorhees around the next corner!
Fortunately, I survived and was able to join the rest of the gang to ring-in 2011 satisfied and guilt-free.
Happy New Year everyone and good luck with all your resolutions and goals!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
I survived!
Ok I'm starting to hate Tuesdays! That's the day Ian usually schedules an interval run at a very fast pace...well at least it's fast for me.
Today it was 12k total, with 8k in the middle of the run broken down as follows: 3k @ 4:05 per km, then 1k @ 4:15 per km, back to 3k @ 4:05, then 1k @ 4:15. Prior to the run I had reservations about whether I could handle the pace for that distance.
I was to find out those reservations had merit!
After the usual 2k warm-up at a leisurely 5:15 per kilometre pace, I dialed it up a few notches and was enjoying the feeling of pushing myself to run hard. The first interval seemed to be over just as fast as it had started and I dialed it down to a 4:15 pace for 1 km and recovered nicely. I never thought that pace would feel "easy", but today it did!
Well that "easy" feeling was soon replaced with a lung-burning, energy-zapping pace that had me wondering why I was putting myself through this torture? I mean really, was all this pain worth it?
Somehow I was able to fight off all the negative thoughts and the urge to hit the down arrow on the speed control, hanging on for the full 3k. But let's just say I was very happy to see the 10k mark appear, where I was quick to reduce the speed to 5:15 per km and cruise home to the finish.
Now, a few hours removed from that experience, I'm glad I fought that inner voice telling me to slow the treadmill down and pack it in. And I know the effort and pain invested now will pay off on race day.
It was a hard run, but hey, no one said training for a 1:30 half marathon would be easy!
Today it was 12k total, with 8k in the middle of the run broken down as follows: 3k @ 4:05 per km, then 1k @ 4:15 per km, back to 3k @ 4:05, then 1k @ 4:15. Prior to the run I had reservations about whether I could handle the pace for that distance.
I was to find out those reservations had merit!
After the usual 2k warm-up at a leisurely 5:15 per kilometre pace, I dialed it up a few notches and was enjoying the feeling of pushing myself to run hard. The first interval seemed to be over just as fast as it had started and I dialed it down to a 4:15 pace for 1 km and recovered nicely. I never thought that pace would feel "easy", but today it did!
Well that "easy" feeling was soon replaced with a lung-burning, energy-zapping pace that had me wondering why I was putting myself through this torture? I mean really, was all this pain worth it?
Somehow I was able to fight off all the negative thoughts and the urge to hit the down arrow on the speed control, hanging on for the full 3k. But let's just say I was very happy to see the 10k mark appear, where I was quick to reduce the speed to 5:15 per km and cruise home to the finish.
Now, a few hours removed from that experience, I'm glad I fought that inner voice telling me to slow the treadmill down and pack it in. And I know the effort and pain invested now will pay off on race day.
It was a hard run, but hey, no one said training for a 1:30 half marathon would be easy!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Paying it forward
I've been running seriously – i.e. training for and competing in races - for almost 4 years. In that time I’ve lost about 25 pounds and feel I’m in the best physical condition of my adult life.
Over that time I’ve shared my running experiences with non-running friends, explaining how in addition to contributing to my overall improved fitness level, running is enjoyable, rewarding and addictive. Most of them usually just laugh, not buying the enjoyment part, and/or say they could never run a marathon.
However, recently two friends have expressed interest in running. I’ve agreed to help them develop training plans based on my running knowledge and expertise, as limited as it might be.
Glen was the first to jump into running after hearing about my Boston
Tackling a marathon without first running a few other races at 5k and 10k distances and building to a half marathon might be a recipe for disaster.
So I have Glen training for the Forest City Half Marathon May 1st in London , Ontario
You can check out his progress at http://runjoggyrun.blogspot.com/.
Now Glen was in good physical condition before beginning a running regime, playing soccer on a regular basis, eating healthy and he has youth on his side, he’s only 36. In addition, he’s built like a runner - about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and lean. I’m confident with some consistent training and barring any injuries, he’ll be able to turn in a 1:40 or under time in May.
Now my other friend, Dave, is a different story!
I’d describe him as the polar opposite of Glen. He’s 50, out of shape, loves his beer and would rather watch most sports on TV in a pub than participate. However, he has played many sports in the past, is athletic and I feel has potential.
He's not planning to run a marathon, but I believe he’s motivated to get himself back in shape and sees running as a way to do that. My master plan is to build him up to running a 5k race in the spring or early summer and then a half marathon in the fall.
And while I think he may be a bit overwhelmed by the thought of running 21.1 kilometres now, if he commits to the process I know he can do it....now I just have to get him to buy in!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Another building block
I ran 8k again today. Nothing too strenuous, 2k@5:10, 4k@4:45 and 2k@5:10.
I mixed up the incline throughout the run, getting up to a 3 percent grade a few times. It felt good and alternating the incline like that, I believe, makes the run more realistic, like running outside. It should help build some leg strength, not as much as running hills, but it will contribute to my overall success in January.
As I said, it wasn't a tough run, but every kilometre counts.
It will be interesting to see if Ian alters what he had planned for my training plan over the next two weeks, given I missed two runs this week due to a cold. In the past if I missed a training run, I usually just let it go and didn't try to make it up later on. I'm not sure if Ian will suggest doing that or alter his original plan.
Tomorrow I have a 17km long run to get in. I plan to run the first 9K outside as the paces aren't fast and I should be able to maintain them even on the snowy sidewalks. Then I'll go inside and complete the last 8k on a treadmill as there are stretches where I'll need to run at a 4:30 per km pace.
So despite a bit of a set back this week with a cold, I'm feeling confident that I'm on track to run a 1:30 or faster half marathon in a few weeks.
I mixed up the incline throughout the run, getting up to a 3 percent grade a few times. It felt good and alternating the incline like that, I believe, makes the run more realistic, like running outside. It should help build some leg strength, not as much as running hills, but it will contribute to my overall success in January.
As I said, it wasn't a tough run, but every kilometre counts.
It will be interesting to see if Ian alters what he had planned for my training plan over the next two weeks, given I missed two runs this week due to a cold. In the past if I missed a training run, I usually just let it go and didn't try to make it up later on. I'm not sure if Ian will suggest doing that or alter his original plan.
Tomorrow I have a 17km long run to get in. I plan to run the first 9K outside as the paces aren't fast and I should be able to maintain them even on the snowy sidewalks. Then I'll go inside and complete the last 8k on a treadmill as there are stretches where I'll need to run at a 4:30 per km pace.
So despite a bit of a set back this week with a cold, I'm feeling confident that I'm on track to run a 1:30 or faster half marathon in a few weeks.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Deja vu all over again
I woke up at 5am this morning so I could get to the gym and get my scheduled 11k interval run in before work. To my surprise the cold I thought I had cleverly eluded by taking Cold FX had returned. My throat was sore, sinuses congested and my muscles ached. I felt like rolling over and going back to sleep, not running.
To top things off, it had snowed over night, was still snowing and, as I would find out later while I was cleaning the snow off my car, the wind was strong and bitterly cold! Anyway, I slowly rolled out of bed, popped some more Cold FX, two Tylenol, got dressed and off I went.
The roads were brutal. I was thankful for having snow tires, as I watched others slipping and sliding on the slick, snow covered streets.
By the time I arrived at the gym my energy level seemed to be rising, my throat wasn't as sore and I was able to once again breathe. Perhaps as I predicted in a previous post (Monday, Monday on December 13) this run would be a breeze!
To remind you, I had already done this run last Tuesday when I should have been running only 10k with slower paces - see Maybe I Need Glasses! posted on December 8th.
Anyway the run started fine and I felt good, getting into a rhythm over the first couple of kilometres as I ran at a 5:15 per k clip. Then things got tough.
I'm not sure if it was the effects of the cold or just the blistering pace Ian had set for me, but my lungs started to burn at the 5.5k mark, just as I started the second interval of 2.5k at a 4:05 per minute pace. I took a deep breath, focused on fast feet, relaxed shoulders and pressed on.
I really thought this time around the run would be somewhat easier than the previous Tuesday, but it wasn't. It was just plain tough and felt pretty much as it had the last time. Maybe it was supposed to be or maybe it was because my body was still fighting a cold.
Whatever the reason, I figured fighting through pain and getting in two of these runs would serve me well in my half marathon in a few weeks. It would also make the remainder of my runs this week seem easy...at least that's what I'm hoping!
To top things off, it had snowed over night, was still snowing and, as I would find out later while I was cleaning the snow off my car, the wind was strong and bitterly cold! Anyway, I slowly rolled out of bed, popped some more Cold FX, two Tylenol, got dressed and off I went.
The roads were brutal. I was thankful for having snow tires, as I watched others slipping and sliding on the slick, snow covered streets.
By the time I arrived at the gym my energy level seemed to be rising, my throat wasn't as sore and I was able to once again breathe. Perhaps as I predicted in a previous post (Monday, Monday on December 13) this run would be a breeze!
To remind you, I had already done this run last Tuesday when I should have been running only 10k with slower paces - see Maybe I Need Glasses! posted on December 8th.
Anyway the run started fine and I felt good, getting into a rhythm over the first couple of kilometres as I ran at a 5:15 per k clip. Then things got tough.
I'm not sure if it was the effects of the cold or just the blistering pace Ian had set for me, but my lungs started to burn at the 5.5k mark, just as I started the second interval of 2.5k at a 4:05 per minute pace. I took a deep breath, focused on fast feet, relaxed shoulders and pressed on.
I really thought this time around the run would be somewhat easier than the previous Tuesday, but it wasn't. It was just plain tough and felt pretty much as it had the last time. Maybe it was supposed to be or maybe it was because my body was still fighting a cold.
Whatever the reason, I figured fighting through pain and getting in two of these runs would serve me well in my half marathon in a few weeks. It would also make the remainder of my runs this week seem easy...at least that's what I'm hoping!
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