Some ladders are better than others
March 20th, 2009 Posted in Training Runs
The last time that I ran a ladder workout at the track was back in September. On the schedule today was the same workout 200, 400, 600, 800, 800, 600, 400, 200.
I walked onto the track and quickly realized that I had overestimated the warmth of the sun and ignored the wind. I was cold! After my mile warm-up, my cell phone announced I had a voicemail. I checked my messages (any excuse to put off the speed work) and heard a message from Danny. I called him back and we made plans to meet up before the 15K on Sunday and of course post-race plans for brunch.
On to the speed work, I went. The way up the ladder was okay: 200 (2 secs faster than target pace), 400 (exact), 600 (exact), 800 (1 sec slower than target pace). By the time I got to the second 800, I seriously thought about bailing on the rest of the ladder. My hands were frozen. The wind was slapping me in the face. My legs were t-i-r-e-d. I ran the second 800 like I was out of gas (5 seconds slower than target). I resolved to finish the ladder and just make it through it. I did just that–600 (6 seconds slower), 400 (1 second slower) and 200 (exact).
I’m sure there are some valuable lessons to take from this, though I am too tired to think about it.
My goal is to make it through March without getting sick. Looking back at my training logs, I clearly see a pattern. The beginning of March invariably brings on my allergies and cold like symptoms. I’ve missed a weeks worth of running every March going back to 2005. I’m hoping that 2009 will be different.
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2 Responses to “Some ladders are better than others”
By Marlene on Mar 21, 2009
Have fun tomorrow!
By Denise on Mar 22, 2009