Tough runs back to back
Yesterday morning, I ran the Bridgton Four Miler in 22:38. With a day and a half of rest, I ran a good quarter mile workout fartlek style at the Back Cover 5k Race Series this evening.
Given that I did not properly fuel for the race (I only ate at breakfast and lunch before the race, rather than all day as I normally do) I was surprised I was able to keep at my goal pace for my repeats. I have to thank Oliver Cunningham, who was running a perfect pace to pass me on my recovery jogs and to give me somebody to chase on my repeats. I ran the repeats in 74, 74, 73, 75, 72, 75+38. The last repeat is actually about 0.15 to 0.2 miles over the quarter as I finish running in. My recovery jogs were all about 1:44 to 1:48ish and were a quarter mile in length.
I did not quite get the mileage I wanted for the day, since I was a bit pressed for time afterwards. I only managed to run about 9 miles instead of the 12-13 I was going to aim for. But, that is okay. I did race the day before, after all. Tomorrow morning I will lift, and tomorrow evening I’ll do an easy 7 miles or so.
I do not recommend running tough workouts back to back very often. Now and again, though, it can provide a good stress on your body and get you used to pushing when you are tired. I had a day and a half of rest, as well, which made things a little easier. My next few days are going to be relatively easy so that my muscles have an opportunity to recover.
Sounds as though it’s the right time of year for running (it’s winter here, so it seems a little odd until I remember where you are). Got any major events planned for this year?
The Beach to Beacon 10k is a week before my wedding, and I will definately be pacing a friend through the New York City Marathon in November.
I am still undecided on running the Maine leg of the Endurance 50 Challenge 2 and a half weeks before New York. I haven’t decided if it is worth $100 to jig jog through a marathon with a half dozen other people at 4 minutes slower than my normal pace. I have had one offer of some money towards it, so if I do decide to do it then I will fund raise the money and hopefully have more than $100 to donate towards it.