Notes
3E + 4T +1.5E
Although it looks like a progression run (most of my runs do), I can assure you it is nothing I am doing intentionally. That is simply the byproduct of my 47 year old pathetic ass taking forever to loosen up.
The quality portion of this workout was scheduled to be a 4 mile steady state tempo run, with the first of those miles at MP (7:05 - 6:55), followed by 3 at tempo (6:30 - 6:25). I have been having tightness in my hamstrings since Saturday's workout however, which made this run not likely to happen at all.
I decided to go ahead and give it a shot and the first mile at MP while tight, didn't really feel bad (meaning it didn't hurt) so I decided to continue.The subsequent miles were all run at just a tad bit harder than MP effort, but it didn't necessarily show in the splits. I did not look at my watch during the entire run (warm-up and quality portion included) except at each mile split and pretty much held the same effort for the duration of the workout, my body just released as I went along.
My left hamstring was the worst of the two, I also felt tightness in my left glute and the left side of my lower back. I had some similar tightness in 2013 and ended up taking a DNS for my marathon that year after eventually dislodging my SI joint. As such I have a call into the center to see if someone can see me today to work on the tightness. I do have my usual pre-race massage Saturday with Tammy but do not want to risk things by waiting until then.
Having said all of that today's workout was actually pretty good all things considered. I had no issues with mental demons as is sometimes the case when running for time, and in fact went about the business of running those 16 laps with purpose.
As far as the race Sunday (a half marathon), I have no idea what to expect. This has been by far my worst year racing so it is entirely possible that it will be another bomb.
I have recently however, had the good fortune of consulting with someone who has been instrumental in helping me get my fucking mind right. With their assistance, I have set realistic, simple attainable goals, and have been able to once again run and train with confidence and purpose.
That may not mean shit when the gun goes off Sunday, but I certainly feel much better about things now than I did 6 weeks ago, and that has got to account for something.