Yesterday I decided to do some work on the track. While it's fun to see if I can top my personal best on the 5k course everyday, I'm trying to look at the bigger picture, developing leg strength. As I find the aerobic side improving, I find that the strength side needs to catch up so I can push to a new level.
That's why I hit the track for my first venture into 400 m repeats. I had planned to do six but ended up with four instead. I was a bit apprehensive at first with this new challenge to my overall plan.
After a mile warm up I started in with the goal of running the laps in 1:45. Between each lap I did a 200 m cool down. The cool down before the final repeat seemed to be shorter than the previous three recoveries.
I was pleased to run in the 1:41-1:51 range on each lap. Out of that experience I gained some more confidence, even if I didn't go six repeats. I could feel the work in the calves afterward. It reminded me of the pinging noises you hear coming from under the carhood after you shut off an engine. Even this morning my muscels reminded me I pushed myself yesterday. I think I gained ground and came away believing I can do more and go faster.
Today I will try to resist the temptation to lace up and head for the track. I have to believe today's rest is an extension of yesterday's work.
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