Amanda aka Miss Zippy asked about best runs. You know, the ones you wish you could seal up in a bottle.
I was blessed with a totally unexpected one just last week. I wish I could say the scenery was spectacular or the weather conditions were perfect like they were over the weekend on the American Tobacco Trial in North Carolina:
But my best run came in a dullish neighborhood I frequent quite often on a typical blustery, raw day. The prescribed workout was a hellish one I really needed to get my head around:
2(3x1200m)
Really? The bile rose just thinking about how much this would hurt. But I put on my big girl pants and got after it. “Just try one interval,” I told myself, and managed one, then another. The first pair was done. Before I knew it, I was halfway. By some miracle I fell into a groove and got faster. Credit last weekend’s 5k where I actually pushed for a change.
For me, my best runs are the ones where I accomplish something I didn’t think possible. No way did I imagine I had even 3 decent 1200m repeats in me that day, let alone 6. It reminds me precisely why one should never give up or say never. Because you never really know until you try.
Tell me about your best run.
Isn’t it funny that we can’t plan our best run? You’d think the great weather, fabulous location, etc. would add up (and sometimes it does), but just as often it happens when we don’t expect it, on a short run near our home. That’s running I guess.
Those unexpected runs, the ones where we surprise ourselves, are always some of the best. And sometimes it is in those familiar surroundings that surprises us with glimpses of greatness. That does look like a hellish workout but great job getting it done and a great run!
Great run! WTG putting your big girl pants on 🙂
The best best runs are when we surprise ourselves with what we can do.
I agree that it’s when you accomplish something you didn’t think you could. My best run was this weekend!
I agree that the best run is the one you pushed yourself for.My best run was this weekend.
Funny how the runs we dread sometimes are the ones we end up enjoying the most.
Nicely done!! Repeats are no joke!
Great run, Marcia!! Speed workouts are tough, but definitely worth it!
That’s a killer workout! Way to get it done. I always take that approach, too–one at a time. Before you know it, it’s in the bag. Getting strong, lady!
Thanks for linking up.
I wish I could have read this before my run this morning. I definitely had to put my big girl pants on for it, and I had to keep pulling them up the whole dang time – literally and figuratively. Wrapping my head around real speed work is hard, and I am glad to see it was brilliant for you.
And yay for me winning!
Great job! I can’t look at training runs from the “whole” picture, and often tell myself to break it into smaller bites – it works! My best run – any that are not in that 32*F and windy – Gosh I’m glad it’s spring!
Amen! I have to just get started and work from there on the runs or I will psych myself out. I love speedwork- after I do it. Before? Notsomuch…!
6 x 1200m sounds brutal – awesome job!!!
Love that picture. i’ll be heading down to NC (OBX) to do the Flying Pirate Half. Can’t wait. I miss my runs in NC. Thanks for sharing a memory. Pine Trees!!!!!! 1200m repeats. I have not done those yet but sounds intense. One of the best speed sessions I have ever done was 1 mile warm up, then jog the outsides and sprint straight ways on the track. My goodness, 5 miles of this. sure will pay dividends. Take care my friend!
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