Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Back to the Track

So, I am not new to speedwork, having done my first round of it in preparation for my Chicago marathon last October.  I think it works, given that I was able to PR at Chicago and meet my goal of a 3:15.  But...I really don't like it.  If I had my choice, I'd do my usual 6 miles of 9-10 minute pace with my running group and be as happy as a clam.  Yet speedwork enables me to set a goal and push myself towards it.  It's fun to see what I am capable of, and with the approaching 5K and 10K season it is time to get back out there and see if I can make improvements to my times in each event.

On February 15th, I headed to the track with my friend, Julia Clark, for our first round of 800s for this season.  Last year, I was able to run 8 of these above marathon-pace time (a quick rule-of-thumb is that you should be able to run 800 meters--two laps of the track--in minutes/seconds of what you want your marathon time to be in hours/minutes).

We only did 4 800s today, since we are just starting back.  I was happy with my times:

3:13, 3:09, 3:09, 3:07

Notice that I got faster as I went and that the last time was the fastest.  A good first attempt back!

3 comments:

  1. Speed work is tough but you are guaranteed results - and at least it is over quickly!!

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  2. Great job at the speed work!! Love negative splits :)

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  3. Hi there! Glad to find your blog... You are one fast lady :)
    Way to get in the rhythm in the workout! I don't do a lot of 800s, but wish I had a track to do them on.

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