Yesterday was my first day at the track in about 11 months. I generally don’t do track workouts that often anymore. When I first started running, my first non-treadmill runs were on tracks. I was always worried about being thirsty, getting lost, or somehow getting hurt/tired and being far from home. These days I prefer outdoor running and have coped with being thirsty, getting lost, getting tired/hurt and taking a looong time to get home.
The first Sunday in May is always the Race for Hope 5K in DC. This is the race that kicked off my running obsession. I ran my first one in 2010 and have run everyone since. I have fond memories of being at the track during the month of April to prep for the race.
I usually try to “race” 400s (once around the track) and then walk a lap then race again. I can usually run a 400 in anywhere between 1:49-2:10 based on my fitness level.
Since yesterday was my first track workout and one of my first runs since the NYC half, I felt like I would have to push too hard to race. So instead I used a tip I got from someone I met on the track a few years ago. “race” 200s and then recover for 200 then repeat.
My schedule training plan for yesterday was 6 x 400 at race pace, but I ended up doing 12 x 200. My first 200 was 1:07 and I was horrified. After a few laps I got down to 1:01s. I then was able to go sub 1:00 and my last of the 12 x 200s, I went all in and did a 0:55. I was pretty pleased with myself.
I hope by next week maybe I can manage some 200s and 400s. Since I’m set to do 7 x 400.
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