Monday, April 19, 2010

Popping the Fartlek Cherry

Yes! I completed my first fartlek E.V.E.R! And let me tell you, it was awesome blossom!  I refrained from using "fartlek" on my Facebook status update. I fear. I fear. I fear.
Last week's runs weren't exactly stellar nor inspiring. I usually get inspired after my runs - partly because I surprise myself either with a distance or a pace that was better than what I had expected. Last week was just "blah" - as bland as tepid water running from the faucet. Maybe I am getting a little "bored" with the runs, so I decided to shake things up a little this week and do something that will make me miss running.
Nah ... I am not taking off from running this week. I am just going to do some shorter runs during the week and maybe a faster pace 5 miles or so during the weekend.  I think that will make me want to jump back to doing longer, farther distance after laying low for a week.
So, today, I hopped on the 'mill and took it for a spin. My first fartlek ever! I had the 'mill set to INTERVAL training, and began with caution. Then, I realized it was freaking slow. So I upped the pace. I finally decided to set it on sprints at 9:05/mile pace and recovery runs at 12:00/mile pace. The 12:00/mile pace is a no brainer because that's the pace I feel comfortable and I know I can catch my breath. The 9:05/mile pace was just a pace where I know I will have some difficulty conversing with an actual human being. That's the pace where I have to just breathe in and out and keep my legs going.
It worked! All in all, I completed 3.02 miles in 31:53 minutes. I am stoked.
I will be away for a conference this week and I have packed my running shoes, socks, outfits in my suitcase. I am hoping I will get 2 runs in at the fitness center at the hotel this week - nothing too much, just another fartlek of 3 miles or so. We'll see. I will be with a bunch of colleagues and rooming with two. I don't exactly know how early they wake up or late they go to bed. So, I am going to test the water out. :) Wish me luck!

See, I am inspired after this run and I love this feeling.

Question: How do you juggle running/training when you are not on your "home turf" ???? 

7 comments:

  1. Working out when traveling is tough, especially if it's a work trip. On vacation, it's a bit easier to work things in. I just plan to scale back when I travel, and do the best I can. Usually means running on a treadmill, which I NEVER do otherwise.

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  2. Running on business trip is tough for me as well. It's easier when I travel alone, but once I'm with a group of people it's tough. I try to get up a little earlier and use the treadmill. In the evenings the group usually hangs out and that makes it difficult to say no and do something on your own.

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  3. congrats on the intervals. i like intervals, but u really have to be careful with them! they cause injury!

    but they are awesome for training!

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  4. Fartlek/intervals are great for mixing things up and improving performance - congrats on your first fartlek - welcome to the club.

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  5. Hooray! That will spice things up. Don't worry about last week -- every once in a while things are just "off", for whatever reason.

    I've run in the hotel fitness center many times while away for work. I keep it a little lighter than if I were at home, but at least I'm doing something to keep my legs going.

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  6. Yes! Fartleks are fun! Especially if you exclaim "FARTLEK!" right before you sprint. :) It makes it that much more fun.

    Excellent run!

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  7. Awesome interval work! I LOVE LOVE fartleks!!!!

    As for travel and working out...I stink at it! I always have good intentions!

    I know you can do it!

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