Thursday, January 28, 2010

Running Hard

Yesterday was my run test. Basically, I had to run fast and hard. This is all fine in theory, however I was really unsure how exactly to do that without 1) going too hard and passing out or 2) not going hard enough and finishing the test thinking I still had more in the tanks (I hate that feeling).

I had a hard time finding a place to run. I wanted to run on a track for sure. The local H.S. had H.S. kids out on the track and stuff set up on the field, so there was no way I was going to run in front of them. Plus, technically, I am not supposed to be on school grounds during the school day. So I drove over to the community center, but I noticed they don't have a track so much as an oddly shaped path. Finally I drove to another community center (Campbell) where I knew they had a public track (and bathrooms, this was quite fortunate).

So I warmed up, and then I went for it. It was SO nice to not have to worry about my HR, or what zone I was in. I could just go. The training wheels were off, whether or not they should be! I did wear my Ipod for this test and it really helped me pick up the pace at times. I should thank Metallica, Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam, Ozzy Osbourne, Eric Clapton, and Green Day for my performance yesterday.

At one point, I looked down at my HR monitor to see how much time I had left and thought I was only a 1/4 through. Then I looked closer and realized I only had 1/4 of the test left. This made me happy. There were definitely some interesting characters out on the track: an guy with Downs Syndrome was trying to stop everyone to say "hi" (he was a little too touchy feely for me so I just would sprint past him), some gang bangers running in their baggy jeans and cross trainers, and some nice older ladies with oodles of perfume on (to the point it almost made me sick).

My knee bothered me a bit during the run, but not to the extent it hurt before. I iced it and my ankle last night, and that felt wonderful. I have a pool that is 40 degrees, and it was suggested I dip my legs in for 5 minutes after my run, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it!

Tomorrow is the last of the tests - on the bike! Woo Hoo! Then my first race, and my first running race EVER, is next Sunday - Superbowl Sunday to be exact. I am looking forward to it!

4 comments:

  1. The overly perfumed people make me gag the most when they swim and you feel like you're inhaling it every time you come up for air. Ick.

    You did GOOD yesterday!!! It's all fun, and harder, and better, from here!

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  2. Great job on your tests! You guys rock. Onward to the races!!

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  3. Glad your tests are nearly over. And a race next weekend will be awesome.

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  4. Sounds wonderful. Running free. How was the bike test? When do you get your results?

    Hey, I just checked I can watch the super bowl live too. Just have to set my tv up for it. I haven't watched anything since October.

    Thanks for keeping my spirits up.

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