Just like high school

Tonight was my first night at track practice.

Track practice?? Seriously???

I have horrible memories of life at school...struggling...running around that miserable track. I was thankful that this evening was a bit better.

A big group from the DC Road Runners arrived at the Yorktown High School track for an evening of speed work.

We began with a warm-up --- a 400 meter jog. After my recent runs...400 meters should not have been a problem, but it was a hard 400. I was tired after recent runs and Monday at the gym. I was really not feeling good about what I was about to do and would have gladly ended the evening early if I was able to make up a good excuse and roll out early.

After the warm-up and some stretching, we broke into heats based on estimated mile pace groups. Since I had no idea where I should be slotted and I was terrified by what we were about to do, I slotted myself into the 11 minute+ group.

Our goal was to run 200 meters at a steady and fast pace (a range of 7 or 8 out of 10). The goal was to run each of these fast segments at the same speed --- the first and last should be the exact same speed and time.

The remaining 200 meters was to be done at a slower pace. I expected the slower pace to be a fast walk...but it actually was a slow jog! The slow jog was an effort. Mentally, it was hard to stay with it, but being with the group definitely helps to keep you going.

I ended up getting into a groove and was able to complete each of the faster 8 segments in 1:13 minutes. Not too bad for the first time. We ended up running 2.5 miles tonight in total...which in the scheme of things is not that far, but the faster pace really had an impact!

I was very tired and was looking forward to a nice stretch and some water once I rounded the finish line after the eighth segment!! Unfortunately, Coach Emily had something else in mind...more strength training. We ended up doing a number of body weight exercises to help strengthen our legs.

Everyone says that participating in the track work is critical to increasing your speed.

By the time Coach Katie dropped me off at the metro and I got home it was close to 10:00 pm. I was so tired!!!

Hopefully I can keep up with all of this without getting injured. I plan to take the next two days off since I have basically reached my weekly running goal in advance of Saturday's long run.