Chasing My Shadow

This week was the first introduction to "speed work" on the plan.  I've followed plans with speed work incorporated in but never quite like this.  I chose this training plan because it built mileage fast and requires running on tired legs, one thing I needed in February.

So, Day 5 looked like this, 5miles+, :20 fast, 2:00 slow.  I interpreted this as 5 miles of running :20 fast & 2:00 slow equaling 16 reps.  I convinced my "Sole Sisters" to meet me for this workout and away we went.  It was different but I felt it was a good run.

Day 7 was more of the same but 6 miles.  Again, it was different but good.  I had good company again, including a 4 legged friend named Brady.  Brady is a beautifully, energetic Hound mix that pushed alongside me and when he tired, still pushed from behind sprinting to catch up just as I was starting my :20.  Nothing like the panting of dog coming up fast behind you to really push the 95% effort.

Day 9 was an easy 4 and for the first time in a long time, I had no running partner.  No one to complain to about the humidity, no one to tell me our pace each mile (I don't set the screen on my watch to show my pace), no one to talk to about my daughter's soccer game or the latest crazy thing the youngest did.  I debated on whether or not to bring my headphones but in the end, I did.  A nice change of pace to listen to some tunes.  It was an out & back route with a few hills.  As I turned around to head for home I discovered I wasn't running alone.  For the last 2 miles, up & down the hills, I raced against an old friend.  She's been with me through every training run, every injury & every race I've ever done, My Shadow.  I don't usually get to see her as I run in the darkness of the early, early morning but it was nice to have her along & even though I didn't, I tried to beat her.  Oh well, maybe next time.....it was good to see you

My Shadow
Robert Lewis Stevenson