shout outs

Hello readers,

Well, I am about to start base week seven. Finally, I can say that I feel like I am in decent shape. There might be some of you out there rolling your eyes saying I was already in shape, and that is kind of true, but this past week there was a breakthrough of importance. Sure, it is one thing to be able to run a lot of miles, but it takes something more to run a workout. Up until this last week, as described in previous posts, all of my workouts had been a struggle. I had completed them all, but each rep was painful, filled with lactic acid, and seemed the length of at least a tenk. However, on Tuesday I was feeling pretty good during our usual warm up and I had some optimism, but I did not want to get too eager to speed around the track. 

We started the workout with one time 1600 meters at around 5:45. I told myself if this 1600 felt difficult then I still was not quite in shape because in my past I had run mile repeats under six and it wasn't too bad. In fact, I really usually like mile repeats. After two laps something new had happened. There was no usual surge of lactic acid that I had been experiencing when I did anything under 6 minute pace. Although I thought it was too good to be true, it continued and I felt good all the way through. To my surprise the 800 repeats after this felt good too. I had finally gotten over the wall. The wall of fitness one might say. In addition to that I was able to cool down without a side stitch!

Later in the week I did a tempo run with a teammate which really improved the tempo experience. I had not realized how difficult running tempos solo can be. Overall, my new development has been going well and I am really enjoying the group experience. I hope for the progress to continue.

In honor of feeling so cheerful about running, I would like to do a toast or "cheers" to some random runners I have encountered recently or in the past that have "added" to my running experience so to speak.

~To the man that I periodically pass on the trail that listens to his ipod without headphones and it always seems to be Katy Perry...here's to you.

~To the girl who I passed on the trail the other day who ominously yelled "look out for the bees" as she ran by...I thank you?

~To the man that I used to resent for parking side ways in a parking space, but now like because he says hi to me...I like your bandanna

~To all the people who wear headphones and don't hear my coming and then yell "Oh you scared me!"...you asked for it.

~To the people on the trail who stare at you but don't smile...although I have already addressed this...stop being a meanie.

~But really, to all the people out there running, here's to you.