ORN: This morning, I ran 6x1200 intervals. Since my heart wasn't in it, I had a tough time. What helped me through was shutting down my brain, unplugging everything but the basic motor functions and the parts that helped me keep track of distance and pace. Every other neuron was screaming "go back to bed!" I consciously yanked out all non-essential, unhelpful processes, daydreaming the scene where Dave disassembled HAL9000's brain one module at a time in 2001: A Space Odyssey. I persevered, though my pace was too slow and inconsistent. [My target time per effort was 5'46".] The total workout was 7.9 miles long and lasted 1:16'20". Here are the splits:
- 6'01"
- 6'06"
- 5'59"
- 6'03"
- 6'13" <-- bonk
- 6'11"
You know me: Mr. Claim Every Victory. So at least I resisted the strong urges calling me back to bed. At least I ran. At least I showed up and did something.
Moving on.
With less than seven weeks to go before the Chicago Marathon, I am finally starting to feel like I am going to be ready. Let me be clear. In less than seven weeks I will be ready; I'm not ready today. That twenty on Sunday was brutal, which leads me to think that my remaining long runs will all be crucial [15, 20, 15, 20, then taper-time]. Looking ahead, I think I will be well-prepared for Chicago. I may not run it in 4:20 as I fantasized about nine weeks ago, but I will finish well. I will do better than last time. That's what's important.
I had a good "running moment" last night. Little One and I went to Seneca Park -- my running base-camp -- and hung out in the playground. There, while getting a drink at the water fountain, I ran into a guy clearly coming off a long run. He was shirtless, wearing a Garmin 405 on his wrist. Like me, he was somewhat flabby around the middle but had legs like oak trees down below. I could tell we were brothers of a sort -- co-sufferers -- so I asked him how he was doing, whether he was training for something, etc. We chatted about our races run and yet to be run. He gave me lots of encouragement about Chicago, saying I'll love it and that afterward I'll feel like I can do anything. He was a nice guy.
It's good to have these random encounters telling me everything is going to be OK.
We're def going to have to meet up in Chicago! As it gets closer I'm going to do a call to bloggers and see who wants to meet up. Tom over at Runner's Lounge is going to set up a drive of the route for anyone interested so I was thinking a meet up prior to the drive. I'll keep you posted.
ReplyDeleteGood job pushing through the run. 7 more weeks!!!!! AHHHH!!!!