So a month ago James and I started track workouts with our local running club The Kingstowne Striders. We decided to do it because we wanted to shave some seconds of out times. Personally, I had never experience a track workout so I did not know what to expect. I came into in pretty blindly. I knew we were be going to be running fast, I just didn't know how fast. Here is the first month track breakdown and how I did in each of them.
Week 1: Welcome to 400's.
When our coach gave us our 400's time I panicked. My time was 2:10 to go once around the track. I thought I was not going to be able to run that fast. I had never run a lap in 2:10 before. Thankfully our coach match me with a partner that ran about the same time that I did.
Before and after our actual workout we do a mile warm up and a mile cool down. This is the breakdown for the first week:
We did 3x400 and then slow 400's to recover. These were my times:
1:50
1:50
2:10
So the first week I did pretty well and I was pretty content with my performance. Who knew I could run this fast right? We should also mention that the weather was nice and in our favor even on a June day.
Week 2: Welcome to 400's and 800's with minimum rest
This week our coach gave us the assignment of doing 400's resting for 60 seconds and then going into 800's. I was a little apprehensive about the little resting time, but I was ready for it. Here is the breakdown:
2x400- 2:00, 2:10
1x800- 4:30 (time was supposed to be 4:22)
So week 2 was not as bad. I am starting to get used to interchanging 400's with 800's and I am enjoying doing the workouts
Week 3: Ascend and descend into 1200's
This week our coach had us do a 400's, 800's and 1200's and back down with 400 slow cool-downs in between. I did not know what to expect, but I knew that 1200's were going to become my enemy. I decided to embrace it and get on with it. I decided to run with a new partner and that did not pan out as I wanted it to be so I ended up running by myself and being the last one to finish the hard workout. I Let's get on it:
Ascend:
400: 2:01
800: 4:20
1200: 6:50 ( Supposed to be 6:30)
Descend:
1200: 6:42
800: 4:20
400: 2:07
I did not quite get my 1200's time, but it was my first time doing them and it was super hot. I know I am making excuses, but if you have ever down 1200's there is a big different between that 2nd and 3rd lap. I tried my best and completed the workout and not gave up and for me that's what counts.
Week 4: Let's take it easy this week with some 800's
This week was completely different. The weather was great and I got teamed up with Amanda. I had never ran with her before and it turned out to be a match made in track heaven. Also we got to do only 800's with 400's cool downs in between which I have gotten accustomed to.
We did 5x800 in total. Here are the results:
4:15 (fast)
4:26 (slow)
4:49 (super slow)
4:15 (fast)
4:09 (faster)
At the end of the workout my partner and I were pretty happy with the results of our 800's and our coach started to threaten us with making our times faster and I got scared of disappointing him and myself if I don't make the new times.
Week 5: 1200 nightmares in the heat
Last week we did the dreaded 1200's with 400's cool down in between in the heat of July. When we got the invitation I was not pleased with the workout so I started to make excuses. Also, my friend, period came to visit that same day so I was already not feeling it. I decided to brace it and suck it up. What's the worst thing that could happen? I don't make the times and well we all know how I feel about 1200's already. Amanda and I got paired up again and decided to try to do out best without killing ourselves. Let's look at the results:
3x1200's time 6:30
6:50
6:47
7:00
Not my best performance but at least I tried it.
We still have some more track workouts to go. I look forward to them because the workouts and everyone else have really challenge me. I have notice a great deal of improvement in my running due to these workouts. So if you are a runner and you are trying to get faster or better at running I suggest doing a track workout once a week. They sure are challenging but they have shown me that giving up is not the answer.
I am so grateful that James found this running club. These people know how to welcome anyone into their group. The Kingstowne Striders consist of runners, walkers and triathletes from a range of age groups. What I like most about being part of this group is that everyone cheers for everyone no matter how fast or slow they go. So thank you Kevin ( our awesome coach), James, Jim, Antonio, Amanda, Susan and all the others that belong to this fantastic team for encouraging me into giving my best all the time. I look forward to many more track workouts and races with you guys...
Until Next Time,
Nats
