Just noticed I haven’t posted anything about running since Sunday’s long run, so here’s a quick summary:
Monday – just an easy 5.2 miles on the treadmill @ around 7:30 pace. Watched the 1984 Chicago Marathon for motivation where Welsh guy Steve Jones set a (then) new world record. I love the way he blazed away on his own and left Rob de Castella and Carlos López in his wake. Also love laid-back Steve’s quote after the race – “I didn’t know how fast I was running, but knew it was fairly quick”…..
Tuesday – back on the treadmill for another 10k Strength Builder workout. My right shin was a little sore but I was able to increase the pace from last week and keep my heart rate slightly slower – a step in the right direction anyway.
Wednesday – braved the elements and ran outside for a change. It was nice and chilly @ 30° but still not cold enough for long pants. Yeah, Ally, I know you think I’m crazy running in shorts. Anyway, enjoyable run, and saw a few deer just as it was getting dark….
Thursday – workout of the week! Colder than Wednesday and the north wind was a bit of a pain. If you recall, last week I ran a solid track workout comprising a warm up, 20 x 200m (200m recovery) and a cool down as recommended by local running guru Mel Williams. Last night I was determined to build up to 24 x 200m with an eventual aim of doing 40 repeats in about 5 or 6 weeks time.
I warmed up for 5 miles and duly proceeded to knock out the 200s on the deserted Landstown High School track (I guess no-one else is crazy enough to be doing track work when it’s under 30°F). Anyway, with the cold and the wind I think I was a little slower than last week, but stayed strong, focused on good form and completed the 24 x 200m repeats fairly comfortably. I jogged home the couple of miles, pleased with a solid 13 miler with tons of quality.
Need to run long on the weekend, so I’ll be heading to First Landing State Park to run on the trail with a friend. It supposed to be cold again, but at least in the park we’ll be sheltered from the wind.
Boy, wish it was 30 degrees here in Iowa! Actual temp was
a balmy -12 degrees to start the morning today. But we’re supposed to go up to double digits today!
Nice solid week. I’m envious. Keep it up.
Also, quite impressed that you have a 25 year old tape of the Jones race. I know I had it on tape once, but who knows what became of it.
I do still have the Runners World issue with the photo on the cover.
J.S.
Thanks Joe.
Yes, pleased with the solid week – probably the best weeks training since the Richmond Marathon last November.
I picked up a DVD of Chicago ’84 on eBay a few years ago. Not official, but nice to have a copy all the same.
I’ve got the Runners World issue too. Probably quite rare now!
–Steve