Special Endurance Day.
I am starting to think coaches use descriptive workout terms like “special” to trick us.
But we’re not that easily fooled are we!? The word ‘special’ itself appears quite harmless, and in all honestly typically evokes a warm-fuzzy, hug-from-your-mom kind of feeling … however, in the running world special could, more accurately, be replaced with tricky, difficult, or thorny.
I am starting to think coaches use descriptive workout terms like “special” to trick us.
But we’re not that easily fooled are we!? The word ‘special’ itself appears quite harmless, and in all honestly typically evokes a warm-fuzzy, hug-from-your-mom kind of feeling … however, in the running world special could, more accurately, be replaced with tricky, difficult, or thorny.
Thorny (in my side) Endurance Day – Yea! Now that rings a bit more true.In flats, on the outdoor track, I did the following workout on my own at 11am
200m <5 min break>
600m <15 min break>
3 x 300m < 3 min breaks>
200m <5 min break>
600m <15 min break>
3 x 300m < 3 min breaks>
Goal times:
200m = 33s (girls) 600m = 70s (at the 400 mark -girls) 300m = 51.5s (girls)
= 30s (guys) = 62s (at the 400 mark -guys) = 45.5s (guys)
200m = 33s (girls) 600m = 70s (at the 400 mark -girls) 300m = 51.5s (girls)
= 30s (guys) = 62s (at the 400 mark -guys) = 45.5s (guys)
My 200 was on pace, and my time at the 400m mark of the 600 was actually sub 70 (which was what I was the most nervous about) but the remaining 200m after that felt like I was running in waist-deep water on a sandy lake bottom. UGH!
Then, once I gathered a bit of composure, and attempted to suppress the exhaustion cough I had developed after the 600m run – I ran my three 300s.
The times were average. I was somewhat disappointed, but ultimately it’s the beginning of the season – and compared to this time last year – I’m running MUCH better.
The times were average. I was somewhat disappointed, but ultimately it’s the beginning of the season – and compared to this time last year – I’m running MUCH better.
It’s really all about perspective though isn’t it?
I mean, we train, we compete, we train some more, we make adjustments in our diets, and try and stay mentally prepared for anything – but at the end of the day we don’t always look back at how far we’ve come. It’s the here, and the now. The “Why didn’t I run faster”, and the, “I’m not improving” comments that I hear so often from other athletes that force me to step-back. Put your training into perspective. I’m not saying lower your expectations, I’m saying be realistic and fair to yourself.
Set your goals high, and then set them higher – but don’t ever lose sight of them by thinking you aren’t doing everything you can – not even for a moment – because in that moment you’ve already let them get away.
Set your goals high, and then set them higher – but don’t ever lose sight of them by thinking you aren’t doing everything you can – not even for a moment – because in that moment you’ve already let them get away.
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