Finally, thanks to Coach NZ, I’ve got a running definition I can relate to.
Cadence: Run like a kid.
Seeing as how that’s half of my running mantra – “Run like a kid. Finish with a smile.” – you’d think I’d actually like running speed intervals. But no, that definition is nowhere near as fun as it sounds. Speed sucks – large!
Back when I started Coach NZ’s program, she warned me I’d have to get over my hate for speed. If I wanted to be faster, she said, I had to embrace runs that involved high cadence and speed repeats. I couldn’t just go through the motions, I had to put solid effort in.
Up until today, however, I think I was somewhat lackadaisical when it came to building up my speed capacity. Sure I ran those runs, sure I tried, but if I’m gonna be honest, I could have tried harder, I could have performed better. But there were always excuses. I hid behind the fear of past injuries, or not understanding the cadence terminology, or the fact I was just coming back, I wasn’t ready. But not anymore. No more excuses.
So what changed? What made me want to give my all today?
New inspiration.
My Canadian-turned-Brit girlfriend ran her first marathon this past weekend in Rome (I know, right!). Not only did she cross that finish line, she crossed it with a super respectable time of 3:44:07; top 10 per cent of women and top 22 per cent overall! Holy fast feet batchick! And this chick, she suffered major feet blisters for a good portion of her training, and sports bra chafing leading up to race day. She could have just phoned in the race, no one would have faulted her that, but she didn’t. She gave it her all.
And by golly, if she can do that, surely I can suck up a few (that feel like a bijillion!) speed repeats.
TONIGHT’S SPEED:
- 5:45 p.m. BG before: 6.9
- Temp. basal: none
- Carbs: 1/2 apple, 17 grams, no bolus
- Distance: 5.66 km
- Speed repeats: 8×200 metres
- Best pace: 3:24 min/km
- Time: 37 minutes
- 6:45 p.m. BG after: 8.8
- Post-run bolus: 1.25 units
But gawd, do I ever hate them speed DEMONS? Hate them!
Ummm….you have a coach?
Intervals are awesome. It’s the only way I can “run” haha.. Hence my admiration for runners like yourself. I, sprint.
Ps- run like a kid totally reminded me o that friends episode when phoebe and Rachel go running. From now on, I’ll think of you running like phoebe!
Holy smokes! 3.24km pace at top! Be careful or you will take off into space!