Monday, February 9, 2009

Anyone Got a Shovel?

Or a hairdryer?

Under my training schedule, Mondays are devoted to speed work. The first Monday called for 3 by 1600 meters with a one minute rest interval. I had no problem with that. The second Monday (last week) called for 4 by 800 meters. I skipped that because I did a 5K on Saturday and then the long run Sunday. This week called for some crazy combo of 1200, 1000, 800, 600, and 400. I need the track.

The problem? Our high school track is covered in a disgusting layer of snow and ice. Yesterday I asked my husband if he would go out and shovel a path for me. I didn't think this was asking for too much, as I really only need one lane cleared. And Valentine's Day is coming up. I thought he might sneak out while I was sleeping and tackle the track with a lethal combination of a blow torch and an ice pick. But I drove by the track this morning, and it was still as snow covered as it was last week.

So instead of my speed workout, I did yoga this evening. It felt good to stretch, but I miss my little speed workouts. I miss pushing the puke threshold. I miss racing with myself. I miss arguing with myself about whether I've done two laps or three.

While I have NOT been living up to the speed workouts in this program, I've been hitting the other workouts dead on. Saturday's long run was 15 miles and it was another great one. I managed to stay almost a minute under the goal pace for the workout. These first two long runs have been very encouraging . . . only fourteen more to go!

17 comments:

Sarah said...

Sounds like you are doing awesome!!! I hope that the snow melts soon!

ShutUpandRun said...

Pushing the puke thresh hold! I love that. If it's any consolation, the track nearest to me is covered too. Glad your fifteen miler went well.

Beth in CO

Marci said...

Is there an indoor track at a local university or college? Thats how I do my speed work, but careful of the ice! Sounds like you are running training hard! Great work!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

You're doing awesome! Keep up the speedy runs, but be careful of ice :)

Marlene said...

Bummer that you had to skip the track, but it sounds like you're doing great.

MCM Mama said...

Good job keeping up the long runs!

I'll send you some interview questions in the next few days. It just might take me a bit to actually come up with questions and remember them long enough to get to the computer. ;o)

Laurel said...

Oh, great job on the running. You're doing great, despite the snowy track.

I think my husband would have laughed in my face if I asked him to do that.

Aron said...

you are nailing your training plan!!! great job! wow and to actually miss speedwork :)

Anonymous said...

Keep working hard you are doing great. The "puke threshold" great line!

I Run for Fun said...

You are doing great! Sorry about the snow covered track...What's up with these men...I thought shoveling on demand was part of the marriage deal!

tfh said...

Great job on your workouts! I wish I could say I missed speed workouts-- sounds like maybe we should exchange tracks.

BeachRunner said...

Nice job. I heard a rumor that Spring is coming in a month or so, but I wasn't able to confirm it yet.

Run Mommy said...

I have really jumped up my speed work and I must admit that sometimes speed work becomes run and occassionally pick up speed.. :)

Marcy said...

Great job chica! What about a treadmill? Do you have access to one of those for speedwork? Or maybe finding a big ole hill that is clear for hill repeats?!

Carly said...

Nice job! I don't know if you got the rain we did but the snow is melting like crazy. I just hope it doesn't turn too ice. spring is coming!

Unknown said...

That would have been awesome if hubby shoveled it!

Erika said...

Hey there, I want to send you your interview questions. Can you email me at mom2shoo at gmail.com?

Thanks!

MCM Mama