Strides Sandwich

Eventually, I want to run a sub 1:50 half marathon, but that is not my goal for Zooma Great Lakes. I signed up a little late, I’ve had a lot of other stuff going on in my life that has taken priority (Hello international move), and I don’t need any additional pressure on myself to take away from the joy I have with my running at the moment.

I’m running this because I really and truly love the process of working toward a goal, and having a structured plan to get myself there. I also am excited to meet some other Chicago Bloggers and connect with other runners in the community.

Back to my run. Speed stuff in the middle, hence the sandwich..

My plan for today was:
-2 miles easy/moderate 
-6x 1 min sprints
-1 mile cool down/easy pace 

I wanted the speed work to be in the middle after my legs had done a little work. The first two miles were 9 minute pace and then the work began.

#1.. 60 seconds, 5:28 pace
#2.. 60 seconds, 5:28 pace
#3.. 60 seconds, 5:28 pace
#4.. 60 seconds, 5:25 pace

There was AMPLE walking in between and I was VERY winded. I don’t usually push myself that hard when running outside and it was an eye-opener. Needless to say, 6x did not happen. 4 was pushing it, so I wrapped it up and headed home. I just ran until I ended on an even number. The whole workout was 4 miles in just under 34 minutes (the walking recovery was off the clock Garmin).

I fully intended to download the data from my Garmin and post the chart, but it looks like my little Garmin stick jumped out of my bag before leaving Cape Town. Let’s just cross our fingers that it comes with our boxes or I will be forking out the $19.95 to order another one.

When it came in the mail, it was the EXACT same thing, but without the wall adapter. All I had to do was unplug that little piece and shove it in my laptop and my Garmin would of been charged. Now I have two UBS chargers and zero ATN data sticks.

Clearly, I’m excellent with technology.

Back to my training….

Tonight: I am going to try something new and join a group run (I think 3-5 miles)
Tomorrow: Cross Training of some sort (TBD)
Friday: 6 Miles easy + 1 Mile @ goal half marathon pace (also TBD)
Saturday: Some speedwork (hopefully this post will make it happen since I am clearly Garmin-challenged)
Sunday: 10 miles
Monday: Rest

Do you prefer running along or with groups?

Where do you keep all your running paraphernalia? Clearly, I need suggestions because I am always forgetting something and don’t have a central place. Right now it’s in my nightstand.