Speedwork

I haven't been running enough lately. Ever since the marathon last fall, I haven't been able to really get into a groove. I've had a couple of 12-15 mile weeks, but mostly I have a hard time getting out for three runs a week, and I haven't managed to do any kind of consistent interesting workouts, like speedwork, hills or tempo runs. I keep telling myself that I need to get out after work at least once a week and go to the track. The other option is to get out early in the morning, which is a great option with only one downside. It's not happening; no matter how many times I tell myself I'm getting up early, it never happens. I can manage to get out of bed for swim practice, but for running I just can't seem to do it.

Anyway, finally today I got over to the track after work. This morning started out cold and rainy, or drizzly at least. By by late morning, the cold front moved on through and it turned into one of those days that you dream about as a runner. Sparkling blue skies, low humidity and temperatures in the 60s. By the time I left work it was dark, but still beautiful outside.

I've been feeling pretty slow lately. Ever since I got well into my marathon training back in July, I haven't really done any speed work or intervals or anything like that. My runs lately, which have mostly been 4 milers with the occasional 6 or 8 miler have just felt slow. I keep telling myself that it's just how I feel, and that once I get back to the track things will feel better. Well tonight dispelled that idea pretty quickly.

I ran an easy mile to warm up and then did two sets of the standard Texas Iron drills and strides. My plan at that point was to do 6x400 with a 200 recovery between each. I've done enough 400s at the track to know that I should be able run around 1:35 and even down to 1:25 on a good day. However, tonight wasn't a good day. My first interval was around 1:45. Which might not be so bad, except that it hurt like I was running hard. And the others didn't get any better. I stopped at 4 because I didn't want to go on an more; they were all around 1:45 - 1:50.

I suppose that I could use the excuse that I had swum a hard workout in the morning, my first in two weeks. But it wasn't like I felt that bad or tired before running. I've just lost my speed it seems. But now that I know, I guess it's incentive to be back at the track every week. At least I know that things have to get better.

Oh, and one benefit of being out tonight. It really was a beautiful evening. In fact, as it got darker, I could actually see my shadow on the track cast by the moon.