All Downhill From Here

Last night the CRR 10k group did some friendly speed training along the pathway by the river.

Friendly, meaning:

• We all warmed up at close to the same conversational pace together for the first mile.
• Instead of running 8 x 400m repeats, we ran hard in 2 minute bursts 8 times.
• We all rested together in 2 minute breaks between the bursts.
• The faster ones walked back during the rest, while slower ones walked forward,
• So we all could catch our breath and grunt encouragement to each other before taking off together each time.
• We all cooled down together at pretty much the same pace, with Davey chatting merrily beside me in his charming scottish accent on the way back.

I just about kept up with Karin for the entire first two speed bursts, but I have not been training much lately and it showed big time. I kept a good cadence, but my steps got smaller and smaller and she got away on me in the next ones.

I told myself to lean forward. to relax. to let imaginary strings pull my knees forward. to breathe without forcing it. I consciously had to remind myself to breathe IN during the fifth one.

It was not easy at all, but the good thing is that I was reminded of the single most important thing that makes running easier for me; running more. My sparse training of late made last night hard. I have to get out there more. I am enjoying the challenge of keeping up with this bunch.

To facilitate the running more part for at least this week, I told Karin I’d come out and run hills with her Thursday. I will.