Archive for April 21st, 2009

A couple of additional thoughts…

My favorite point in Sunday’s race was about 1.5 miles after I’d been following Fit Woman, she finally took a moment to turn back and look at me.  That millisecond where she turned her head gave me such intense satisfaction, in a “made you look” way, it still makes me smile.   I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy being a threat.

Also, since it was the first time I really raced someone, it was enlightening to find that focusing on her took a lot of attention off myself.  In my March 1st 10k, all I could think about was my legs, my constant spitting and ragged breathing.  This Sunday, I basically bore a hole into that woman’s shoulder for 3 miles, ignored my surroundings and spent much less time internally complaining, so concentrated on what would happen next.

On Heart Rate:  I wore my monitor for this race, as I did at the last 10K and the comparison is interesting.   Granted, March 1st was a much colder day, 25 windchill, while Sunday was 61, so this definitely plays a role, but still, this Sunday my MaxHR got into 5K territory (so glad I had hidden the HR screen or I’d have freaked).  It’s almost enough to make me reevaluate my Max, but not.

March 1st, 44:48, avg HRR 87%, last 2 miles avg. 90%, Max 91% (184).
Tough race, felt difficult.
April 19th, 42:40, avg HRR 89%, last 2 miles avg. 93%, Max 94% (188).
Felt in control and strong.

That’s it for race wrap-up musings.  Moving on…

Yesterday, after spending the morning rooting for my BQ gals (who all did wonderfully!), I finally got out for an easy 7 in a downpour which turned out to be quite a beautiful run.   Today, I’m set for speedwork, which was supposed to be 5x2k @ 10k pace w/3min. rec’s, but after having  just raced a 10k, screw that – I’m going for 6 x 800 @5k pace w/90sec. rec’s, a much easier and fun alternative.

And happiness, oh happiness, rumor had it that they weren’t going to put the water fountains in the park this summer, but yesterday I spotted a gorgeous hunk of spigoted metal pipe installed right back in its usual place.  The fountains are in!  Hallelujah.