Hot and Humid 400s

0.86m warmup in 8:37. Amazing how I can run this speed comfortably even in humidity when I'm with this group. I'm starting to really like Urban.

I ran back to the 400's starting point at about the same pace: 2.15

Then we ran 4 400's. hard, just under all out. I started out too fast but ended too weak. I felt it in my lungs more than anything else. But I will not judge myself.

400's:
1:27 (5:48 pace)
1:34 (6:16 pace)
1:36 (6:24 pace)
1:40 (6:40 pace)

I was supposed to run them at 1:50 (7:20 pace) so obviously I have improved even from when I started Urban). I couldve held out and run the last one faster by about 5 seconds but I almost got run over by a biker (surprise surprise) so I took a few extra steps to the side and it broke my stride a bit. It's OK though I am fine with it. I need to be more consistent but that will come. The first one I always struggle with because I have no idea how fast that feels like.I'm still too new to know what each pace feels like. I always struggle there.

I really like Jerry and Danny. I feel as if theyve taken to me a bit. Want me to be better. Danny says I have soul and heart and I leave it on the course. I do a lot of the time. I try to at least. I'm sick of being half there. I want to be there or leave it on the course. Not being exhausted after is not trying hard enough in my mind.

I posted a sort of sappy "I need motivation" status on FB and got a lot of motivation back from friends. This was the one (from my old college roommate) which spoke the most to my heart: "You are an inspiration. I don't know how you do it. I can't run around the block and yet here you go, yet again, chasing after personal bests long after the initial praises for your marathoning have waned. You continue to better yourself and the lives of other people through your fundraising. It's really quite amazing. I'm so proud of you my friend. "

On that note. let's run our long runs and be badass ladies!

HHHH splits, awards and nerves

HHHH repeats:
90th to 110th-  13:35 1.3m
It's 0.43 to the top of the hill
1x- 4:05 up, didnt time down
2x- 3:43 up, 4:45 down
3x-3:59 up, 4:26 down
4x- 3:50 up, 5:21 down
5x- 3:44 up, didnt come down
1.23m back- 11:30

That's a workout folks.

Awards:
I need a bit more time for this. But thank you Mrs. Duffy. You made my day, honestly.

Now a confession:
I'm nervous. I feel like I'm not doing enough. I feel like my plan isnt working. I don't feel faster. I feel overwhelemd. I feel tired and cry-y because I really just want to be faster. I feel disheartened because am I really giving it my all. I feel like I've slipped back into the 'making it work' vs. making my life work around the marathon. I just need to get back into it full blown and have a few good runs, perhaps?

Tomorrow I intend on running 18m. Now this is a problem because its supposed to rain. Should I just run inside? I can set my pace a bit more then... that'd be nice. 3 loops of the park in the rain sounds miserable. And, I dont get the feeling that it'll be packed after work the Friday of Labor Day in the rain, thoughts? I can treadmill it and have before (yes, I know) but it's not that bad.

Saturday we're going upstate. I hope I can sneak in a recovery jog or at least a walk. Sunday is an OFF day for me. Maybe some arms and abs. Monday we'll be back in the city. I want to spend at least 90 min in the gym. 45 on legs/arms/abs and 45 min run. Tuesday will be a 'race' with TNT, Wednesday I want to do arms/abs etc and Thursday am I want to do a Yasso workout on the treadmill. We'll see. Maybe I'll settle for yoga. Friday is 12m(yay cut back week) on the treadmill in Vegas. Saturday will be weights (unless its super exp there in which case it's an off day). I fly to Minnesota on Sunday for work Monday so I can gym Sunday night.... probably for free in the hotel there. Monday same thing, hotel gym again.

Sound like a plan? Am I doing enough? Its 4:30 or bust ladies. I need to pick up the pace on my long runs. BIG TIME.

Hot Harlem Hill Hell

Last night we did Harlem Hill repeats, Harlem Hill running counterclockwise that is. We met at Engineers gate and warmed up to the streetlight at 110th. The goal was to run the Hill 6 x as an intermediate and 7x as advanced. I guess I am beginner because I ran 5. In my defense I made a pit stop to pee, but I don't know if I wouldve had 7 or even 6 of those hills in me. It was TOUGH! I might also add it was 94 degrees at 5 pm and at least 88 at 7 pm with humidity in the 90s. It was HOT. I was sweating standing still.

I don't have my watch with me but my repeats were pretty steady. The girls I ran with who did 7 repeats said we ran just under 7 miles so I assume mine was closer to 5.5m. INSANE. That's a lot for a Tuesday workout, although I suppose since we are training for a marathon we need to be, like, you know, working out ;) It just felt long and really hard.

We cooled down back to 90th street cutting through the transverse. I took the bus home and was exhausted.

Yesterday I also managed to go to Yoga in the am and Monday I did about 35 min of arms/abs and some leg strengtheners. I am trying to get back into this!

Today is my day off and I think my legs need it. Tomorrow is speed work and Friday I'm going to try for 18m in the park. How boring huh? It's apparently supposed to pour from hurricane Earl here so I don't know how that's going to work. I assume it will have to be moved inside to the treadmill. Terrible huh?

That's all I've got.