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" ????
