My plan was 3x1600's and of course I started psyching myself out about it the moment I made the decision.
I freak out about not being able to hit the times I want, my goal was 6:20 pace for each mile. If I can't hit 6:20 pace for 1 mile how can I expect to run 6:26 pace for a full 5k? Total mind trip.
I think especially because I'm in unknown territory (I've run 21 min 5ks [a few sub 21] in H.S.& college, but never Sub 20) I am questioning whether it is even possible for me to do this. What if a 19 min 5k is just not in me? Then again I have run 2 miles at 6 min pace, so logic would say that yes I can hold 6:27 pace for one more mile. In fact I just put it into the Macmillan Calc and it spit out a 19:35 5k, now that 12 min- 2 mile was back in the day, but I did do it once upon a time. And I dreaded speed workouts back then too.
This morning I was mildly sore but definitely able to handle some fast running, albeit still having some major anxiety about it.
I finally got out there and decided to just get it done.
The result was half fail, half quality speed work.
Warmed up with an easy 8:10 mile
I started the first mile repeat; saw my Garmin start at 6:20 pace and drop to 5:58 nearing the half mile.
And I changed the game plan.
800's
I stopped at the half mile: 2:59
Jog/walked the remaining .35 around to get to my start point (my driveway)
#2 This time, knowing it was going to be an 800, I started out too fast. Started at 5:58 pace ended at 6:06 pace: 3:03
And then things got a little shaky. I was really feeling the first 2 reps, but knew 2- 800's didn't make for much of a interval workout. I started another one and then quit .15 in. Tried to recollect myself, gave myself a little more rest and decided to try the next 800 in a different direction, maybe a change of scenery would help? No :( Cut it short at .20
Was I really gonna call it a day at 2?
Determined to gut one more out (and I seriously mean gut, why is my stomach the thing that holds me back the most, like it feels ready to burst) I lined up next to my driveway and was off.
#3 3:10
And I'm spent, it would have been nice to get one more in, 4x 800's sounds a lot nicer than 3X800's, but I gave my all and hit some decent times.
I didn't look at the Macmillan Calc times before my workout, but looking at it now I was in the range for 800 repeat times if aiming for a 19:50 ish 5k.
I'm thinking about jumping in a 5k this Sunday and if I do my goal is anything below 21 :)
I'm also gonna jump into What I Ate Wednesday:
With the beach starting in just over 2 weeks this salad is on the lunch menu everyday :)
It is so awesome that I'm 100% okay with that.
Hiding under the chicken are some green olives and cucs and those red peppers are sweet peppers from a jar, love them!
And of course some avocado.
But the best part of this salad may be the dressing, it is only 10 calories and I could drink it (actually I DO drink what is left at the bottom of the bowl) :D
Dressing= Rice Vinegar and Fresh Squeezed Lemon
Linking up here:
Come join the fun and check out some amazing food!
