Too Fast too Fast

Posted in races by Nate

After a few sessions of tinkering with speed, I’m finding myself unable to control the urges. Used to be I was content heading out for hours on end, lollygagging at 11 and 12 minute paces. 4 hour, 20 mile runs were an ideal Sunday morning.

Just a little extra pushing and I found I could hold a 9 minute pace for a 10 miler. A little more effort and I could eke out 8:30’s and 8’s with relative ease but a bit of pain. With considerably more effort 7:15 started coming but not at length. With sprinting intervals I got down to a 5:00 pace, but for only 1/4 to 1/2 mile before my lungs felt like they were going to collapse. These are all very short distances and short runs – the most I can make due with given my new, increasingly hectic schedule.

But even that’s been too much for the bones to bear, so soon it seems. A few 4 and 5 milers at a 7:30 pace last week and the cartilage in my knees feels wasted, and standing up straight seems to hurt.

Taking another week off, then locking myself into longer distances at 9:30s until life balances out. Need to be in decent shape to accompany Mae on her first 1/2 Marathon in just under a month. I think I might be more excited about it than even she is.