Training Log Archive: OrunnerIn the 1 days ending Aug 9, 2010:
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| Mo |
Monday Aug 9, 2010 #
6 PM
Running 55:13 [3] 6.0 mi (9:12 / mi)
rhr:52 slept:8.0 weight:159lbs shoes: Wave Nirvana 3
Today was the first day of mandatory practice. Much to my dismay we have moved the time from 6:30AM to 6 PM. I was not looking forward to running in 95° weather.
I was a bit late, being in a meeting in Middletown at 5, I asked Steve to keep the girls busy until I arrived. They were doing some kind of inverted leg lifts as I walked up to them at 6:15 or so. I had them do sets of push-ups, crunches and the standard series of dynamic stretches while I assessed our odds of surviving a run in this dreadful heat.
It was very evident that it was hot, but we were in the shade and I did not feel overly uncomfortable. The air was noticeably dry. I decided to stick with the plan. And so I announce to the team that we will be doing a 6 mile run.
The girls all stared at me like I was crazy. Of course they always do. But this time they seemed to be waiting for the punchline. But none was forthcoming.
My instructions were to stay on the bike path and do a mile out and then back. Thus passing the water fountain every two miles. They had permission to drink but not dilly dally. I made them drink water from the fountain, and we lined up.
I expected this to be a hard run for a couple of the girls; they had not been faithful to the concept of conditioning over the past 13 weeks. I had hidden agendas and a surprise if they followed my instructions.
It did not take long for the heat to play its part in this exercise. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was little impact on my ability to run or enjoy the distance. With the low humidity, and the moisture wicking running clothes, I soon found myself cooled by the willing evaporation of my perspiration. Hallelujah Darwin, evolution has worked, human beings can run in heat! I was comfortable. Yes.
All five girls were well ahead of me, but it did not take long before I was passing them by. One by one I pronounced them "it" as I tapped them on the shoulder. The heat was no longer a factor, and I gave them no pace to keep, so they were free to stay in their own comfort zone, aside form the agony of knowing they will do six miles.
As I turned at the five mile mark, one mile form the fountain, I began to watch for my lead runner. About a quarter mile behind me was Lauren. I call to her, and tell her to turn on me and follow me home. It took a second for her to understand what I was doing. But she got it, and was soon at my heal, thanking the lord for a coach with reason.
Next we gathered Jessica, perhaps another quarter mile behind Lauren. Then Kara, and so on, until we were 6 returning together to the three dashed green lines across the asphalt trail bedside the world's-greatest-water fountain.
I was quite pleased that not a single girl bailed on me and quit running before I released her. At the end I told them that any one who failed to finish the workout would have been assigned unpleasant rewards over the following three days. I am so happy that did not have to be.
I was a bit late, being in a meeting in Middletown at 5, I asked Steve to keep the girls busy until I arrived. They were doing some kind of inverted leg lifts as I walked up to them at 6:15 or so. I had them do sets of push-ups, crunches and the standard series of dynamic stretches while I assessed our odds of surviving a run in this dreadful heat.
It was very evident that it was hot, but we were in the shade and I did not feel overly uncomfortable. The air was noticeably dry. I decided to stick with the plan. And so I announce to the team that we will be doing a 6 mile run.
The girls all stared at me like I was crazy. Of course they always do. But this time they seemed to be waiting for the punchline. But none was forthcoming.
My instructions were to stay on the bike path and do a mile out and then back. Thus passing the water fountain every two miles. They had permission to drink but not dilly dally. I made them drink water from the fountain, and we lined up.
I expected this to be a hard run for a couple of the girls; they had not been faithful to the concept of conditioning over the past 13 weeks. I had hidden agendas and a surprise if they followed my instructions.
It did not take long for the heat to play its part in this exercise. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was little impact on my ability to run or enjoy the distance. With the low humidity, and the moisture wicking running clothes, I soon found myself cooled by the willing evaporation of my perspiration. Hallelujah Darwin, evolution has worked, human beings can run in heat! I was comfortable. Yes.
All five girls were well ahead of me, but it did not take long before I was passing them by. One by one I pronounced them "it" as I tapped them on the shoulder. The heat was no longer a factor, and I gave them no pace to keep, so they were free to stay in their own comfort zone, aside form the agony of knowing they will do six miles.
As I turned at the five mile mark, one mile form the fountain, I began to watch for my lead runner. About a quarter mile behind me was Lauren. I call to her, and tell her to turn on me and follow me home. It took a second for her to understand what I was doing. But she got it, and was soon at my heal, thanking the lord for a coach with reason.
Next we gathered Jessica, perhaps another quarter mile behind Lauren. Then Kara, and so on, until we were 6 returning together to the three dashed green lines across the asphalt trail bedside the world's-greatest-water fountain.
I was quite pleased that not a single girl bailed on me and quit running before I released her. At the end I told them that any one who failed to finish the workout would have been assigned unpleasant rewards over the following three days. I am so happy that did not have to be.