Ginger’s Training Log – 2-3-13

Ginger

Jinger has written 88 posts on Salty Running.

I'm trying to become a faster runner and learning a lot about myself in the process! When I'm not running or blogging, I am a licensed professional counselor for children and families in their homes and communities.

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Embracing my runner feet, Gingko! And the snow.

Hi again! I swear I’ve been running, I just haven’t been writing about it lately. Despite a rough month of January (due to the loss of a beloved relative and my first pet) I am trying to look forward to the month of February. Not only is it the month of my birthday but I’ll also be racing an indoor 5k and 800 meter race on February 16th (the day before my big 3-0). Not to mention there are a few posts in the works that I think you all will enjoy this month.

So my running. Well, I have to report that my 40 day running streak ended two weeks ago when I was just too tired and lazy to go out in freezing temps for an easy run. Not too down about it though as 40 days is nothing and can easily be repeated if I want to. If not, no big deal.

For the most part, I’ve been focusing on trying to remain relaxed and in control with my running. I started back up with track workouts and tempos about four weeks ago. While my times have slowed a tad from the fall, I have found that I feel much stronger. I think my overworking in the fall helped carry me to another level. Now that I am at this new level, I am just focusing on being able to maintain this fitness with confidence. High school running phenom Mary Cain says it best in a recent Runner’s World article, ““If I stay relaxed the times will come. I don’t really think of records beforehand. I don’t want them to freak me out.”

Now I know I won’t be setting any national or world records but her perspective can certainly apply to setting PRs. And in 2013, I have a good feeling about breaking my own.

Monday: 3 miles easy on the treadmill. This was a slow and sluggish run. I was still feeling some grief after having to put my cat down on Saturday.

Tuesday: 8.5 miles with track workout. Workout was 3 sets of 1000 meters, 90 seconds rest, then 600 meters and then a 1600 meter run at the end of the three sets. Goal was 7:00 pace as I am trying to learn how to not fear this pace in the 5k. I suprised myself and ran a tad faster (6:55 range during the repeats and 6:59 for the 1600). I felt in control and confident during the entire workout.

Wednesday: 5.5 miles at night with James. I used this run to vent about many things. He is such a great listener!

Thursday: 8 miles with treadmill fartlek. Workout was 7 minutes, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 minute intervals with half the rest of the repeat as recovery. My pace started at 7:55 for the longer intervals and I got down to 7:30 pace toward the end. The four minute interval was the most challenging. I’m not sure why this felt so hard as previous weeks were more in control. Nonetheless, I didn’t quit and that’s all that matters. Learning to push through discomfort is just as important as learning how to run relaxed.

Friday: 6 miles easy with James at night again. No venting, just our usual conversations that make for great bonding time.

Saturday: 6 miles covered in snow. Running in the snow often feels less like exercise and more like being a kid, playing in the fluffy white stuff.

Sunday: 13.2 mile long run on snow-covered towpath. Footing started to get a bit annoying after 60 minutes but overall, it was a pretty quick long run.

Total: 50.3