Thursday, August 28, 2008

Faster, Stronger - Scooter!

Who knew? Mr Garmin seems to be telling me that my 'easy' running pace is now 5.30, down from 5.40, and my go-to pace is more like 5.10 to 5.20. I like Mr Garmin. I set out tonight to run seven easy flat kilometres and ended up so inspired I ran 9 kilometres with a jolly big hill in the middle. Even so, if I'd continued for another kilometre I would have PB'd. All that on tired achy legs! Plus it was a beautiful Wellington evening, with the associated molten silver harbour skimmed by rowers and small yachts.

Admittedly, the last couple of 'hard' weeks started to take their toll yesterday. I made what ended up being a smart decision and didn't run with the former Jog Squadders. I was too sore and too tired and I would have injured myself if I'd tried. Instead I went home and rested. Even so, my sleep was broken by a series of vivid dreams. I was awake well before my alarm went off at 5.50 this morning and out of bed like a shot.

In a day of PBs I started off my morning with 20 full pullups over three sets. I think that's a record and I think I could probably have made at least 22 had I really pushed it. I supersetted the pullups with one-legged full pushups. At a certain point I became aware that almost all of the guys in the cardio area were watching me. I guess it must be hard watching a small skinny chick kicking butt! I'm working the weights hard at the moment, knowing I will have to back off a bit when Gearshifters cranks up. I'm feeling in great shape and am really satisfied with where I am at.

I'm wondering whether I am genetically the type of person who benefits from a lot of recovery. These days I don't seem to need as much as I used to and it could be that I'm strong enough to cope with the loads I place my body under. However I've made big gains this year despite training curtailed by an ankle injury. I have to remember that two days of rest in a week aren't going to turn me into an unfit blob!

Balance tomorrow, and if I'm feeling good it will be hard not to want to fit in an extra run. I'm riding on Saturday and hopefully running Belmont or similar on Sunday. Onwards and forwards, at speed!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I have to remember that two days of rest in a week aren't going to turn me into an unfit blob!

Amen to that! I already get panicky enough with one rest day a week, and then getting two or *gasp*, only working out ONCE in one day? Perceived Catastrophe!

Plus it was a beautiful Wellington evening, with the associated molten silver harbour skimmed by rowers and small yachts.

*swoon* By the way, I'm thinking about entering the 750 metre Capital Classic Ocean Swim in Welly in January. Am I mad or Am I mad?

Pip said...

You're not mad. Do it, do it!! It's supposed to be a brilliant swim. It would also mean that we can catch up down this end of the island and I don't get to feel so bad that I haven't got back into the pool again!

Or perhaps I DO need to get back in the pool again ...

Once in one day, grin, I know exactly what you mean!