Do not settle in to the Comfortable Pace
This afternoon I realized that it is much too easy to settle into a comfortable pace. It is that pace that I have been running for 6 months while prepping for my first marathon. You know the 14-16 minute (and sometimes slower) miles. During my training for Disney, I really think I forgot what it was like to push myself. I forgot what it was like to want to go fast.
Now don't get me wrong, that comfortable pace has gotten me through many long runs and races but today I realized the need to also push yourself. The need to do speedwork in order to better yourself as a runner. And the need to improve in order to keep yourself motivated in the sport. I love running and those long slow miles give me plenty of time to think and solve world peace. However the faster miles keep me strong in order to do those slower long distance miles.
I guess what I am trying to say is, every now and then I have to remind myself to run hard or my body will just go into auto-pilot and crank out the 15 minute miles.
I decided to try a new interval on Amy's recommendation. I was going for a 3/1 interval, which is my first ever attempt at running 75% of the time. It crossed my mind to just "run this one slow" since I was trying out something new that I wasn't sure if I could accomplish or not. I really started to doubt what my body could do after almost 2 years of running. But Amy made a good observation recently in my comments and said sometimes running is more in the mental game than in the physical abilities. Something in me today said I was better than that and that I shouldn't doubt my abilities just because it was something I had never tried.
I am happy that I pushed myself. The data was good and I am pleased with the results. This run also proved to me that while I love running with others, I am also capable of pushing myself. I did my own little private happy dance while I walked by cool down in order to celebrate my accomplishment with myself.
2/2/2009- 5K
3r/1w Interval
Overall Time- 36:53
11:54 average pace
163 average HR
180 max HR
I should also remind everyone that while you should not settle into the comfortable pace... you should always expect the unexpected. Here is a great shot from Disney. Kenny and I bought silly string to "reward" our running friends for finishing their marathons. Somehow I thought I would be exempt because I helped purchase it. Guess not!
