It has been a busy week, and knowing I am a little low on fitness this week, I wanted to make today hurt. Sometimes, I feel a little sadistic work makes up for too many days off.
Today, I ran a 5 mile fartlek run. It worked out the following way. I ran a warm up mile in about 8:21. I then Fartlek ran the next 3.25 miles. This means that I ran my regualr pace primarily and threw in some 200 meter surges every once in awhile. I decided that for the final 1200 meters or so, I would go all out and try to finish with a fast final mile. It hurt, but I was happy when I heard the 5 mile ding and I saw that my final mile split was about 6:45. That is a full 5 mile run in 37:11, and my fastest mile split in quite some time. Having it be mile five was also a nice feeling.
That gives me only 19 miles for the week, but I am happy to get some quality in this week, not just quantity. Next week, more miles and at least 2 different HIIT workouts.
Well, I got to about 9 lbs. of weight loss since January 3rd and have leveled off a bit. I am still eating healthy and will stay the course. I haven't had any processed sugar, that I know of, but I have upped my hot tea consumption tremendously! I also have not had a single piece of food after dinner since the 3rd of January, which is huge. My projected goal, of between 140-145 lbs., is still a ways away. I will get there though.
Today, I was coming off a forced day off yesterday because I just got too busy. Because of this, I was itching to get a decent run in. I did a strong, hilly run of 6 miles today in about 48 minutes and change. My average mile pace was about 8:02. During the run, it isn't as evident real time that I am getting more fit, but looking back on a run, seeing mile splits of 8:02, shows that my weight loss and exercise buildup, is getting me fit.
Today is a wet one. I was forced to do my 8 miler is some strong rain, but having finished it, I feel satisfied. I ran a strong pace of just over 8:00/mile and felt strong the entire way. I focused on maintaining strength and consistency, even driving up the frequent hills. I can feel the fit coming back to my body and I love it.
I have made a couple major running decisions this past week. Here goes:
1. First and most timely, I am back in it for the Franklin Lakes Triathlon Relay with my teammates. After a strong 2nd the first year, a disappointing 4th last year (my fault), we will look to rebound and get back on the podium. My basic plans for now until June 17th, run a lot of miles until April, then add punishing speed work for April and May. Also, from now until June 17th, eat healthy.
2. I am saying bye bye to the NYC marathon lottery, for now. The lottery opens up in a couple days, and although it's like no other race, I cannot personally justify doing it again with race fees going up to an even more embarrassing level of nearly $300. My plan is to find some other, local races that are cheaper. Plus, I can still enjoy the marathon expo for free and get that experience as a runner/blogger.
I am finalizing my 2017 goal post so look for that soon!
