Training Log Archive: PG

Warm-up checking out the south edge of the Amherst College grounds.

So, under the assumption that the way to get the legs moving a little faster is to go out and move them faster, back to the track for a short but quicker workout. At least that was the plan, 4 x 400 with a good rest in between, with the quarters in the range of 90-95. Meaning, sadly, full effort.

I'd finished the warm-up with a couple of quicker 200s to stretch the legs, but now was the time to put up or shut up.

First one in 92.4, hard work, felt like it was as fast and as far as I could go. But then a nice gentle walk for the remainder of the 5-minute cycle.

Second one in 90.0, this was really was as fast as I could go. And also exquisitely bad mental tactics. Because it hurt. And I had two more to go. And I really really didn't want to do that two more times. And when you are by yourself, it's easy to shift to plan B.

Not that there was a plan B, so I had to make one up real quickly, how about scratch the last two 400s and do an 800 a little slower, say 3:15. Oh, good idea, won't hurt so much.

So off on the 800, pace was about right, but after about 300 it was crystal clear I didn't want to run an 800 either, so beeped the watch at 400, 98.5 and had another walk. And thought, that was a bit of a wimp job. And thought furthermore, well, that one didn't hurt, so now there's really no reason not to put out for one more 400. Just don't start too fast.

And so the 4th one, 91.2, remarkably good, hurt some of course, but knowing it was the last made the difference.

And the whole workout? An interesting mental see-saw, and a good enough physical effort to accomplish what I wanted. Not so bad. :-)

C • Last One 2

And a short jaunt around the neighborhood afterwards.