Tuesday nights I go to the regular track workout with the Team in Training crew. Our workouts are beginning to get a little bit longer. This is great for running the full marathon because you need to practice testing your legs to push when they are fatigued and even more so your mind to push through when your body is tired.
Last week we were supposed to do 12X400 but I lost count and thought that I was on 10 when I was really on 9 so I ended up with 11. Still felt good and I am proud of my times. Each lap progressed as I went through them, I felt strong the whole time. Definitely confidence boosting. I did a 3.25 mile warm up - the workout then .5 mile cool down. I wasn't timing my recoveries and was happy that they weren't too long. All under 2 minutes. [Green is speed black is recovery]
Coach Kevin was telling us that what we really needed to do was a workout to break our minds. In other words - get to the point where you honestly truly don't think that you can go on - and get passed it. This completely frightens me - he said we need to take two miles and run it hard - try it with a sub 7 pace. I immediately responded with "I can't do that" and was scolded.
He then said to do it at a 7 flat then. (He guarantees my body can do it) If I can get through that - then do three miles at 7, or two miles sub 7. Keep pushing the envelope to improve and see your progress as well as break your mind out of the "I can't" zone. I heard that 3 mile repeats is the key workout for brain strength. The trick is - if I can't hit the pace to not get disappointed. It shows were I am and will prepare me for the next time.
I know that I need to do this. I know that my body is strong. I know that I can run fast for an extended period of time. I really need to make sure that I still know this when I am tired. Running the marathon is such a mental thing - so this training session I am going to work on molding my brain into a machine.
Tonight I believe that we are going to be rocking some 800s.
What is your workout for today?
What workouts have pushed you to a "breaking" point?
What workouts have pushed you to a "breaking" point?
Have you had a workout where you couldn't do it the first time but could the second?
Your speediness is inspiring - let me just borrow your legs one time?? Please???? :D
ReplyDeleteI like your Coaches way of thinking. I DO think we/our bodies are capable of soooo much - it's our minds that stop us sometimes!
You are VERY able to rock those speeds - i know it!
The mental barrier is the hardest hurdle to jump!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your speed work! I did an interval workout today...hoping to get some speed back into my legs. Some of the toughest runs for me are race pace runs...I feel like if I don't hit the right speed then I'm failing.
ReplyDeleteYou are inspiring!! That mental barrier is so hard to over come.
ReplyDeleteYOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!
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