Ironman Training - 3 x 1 mile Running Test - I am Really Lucky! - March 5, 2014

I was actually semi-looking forward to today's workout only because I really don't like huffing and puffing with I run, and I was anticipating the heavy breathing when I saw 3 x 1 mile Run Test on my Training Peaks schedule.

I got home a little early for the boys to get home and I asked them if they wanted to go to the track with me.  They wanted to run, but I did not want them to do what I was about to do, so I suggested that they do a Brick.  They were happy to do that.  A little biking then run.  It really surprises me when they use terms that never existed in my vocabulary until last year.

During the afternoon, it reached a warm 46 degrees, so I thought to myself, this is awesome running weather.  However when I got home, the sky's got cloudy and the temperature dipped.  The boys and I layered up and headed out.

We reached the track, and I usually avoid the track in favor of roads unexplored or roads that I do not have to repeat.  In order to get the right times, I needed a flat surface and the University rebuilt the Track and Field.  There were snow mounds that lined the sides of the track and field.  Mixed in the the white hills were the rubberized pellets from the astroturf.  The boys found several dozen lacrosse balls as they played king of the hills in between biking the outside and running on the track.

So I continued my warm up, and then with stride outs.  Eventually I had to hit the start button to begin my time trial,  I could feel that I was giving it my all for the first lap, and I think I got slower as I did each lap.  When I heard the lap distance beep go off, I let up on my pace and looked at the watch.  My eyes opened up and flashed Lap 1 7:26.  Holy Cow, it must be a fluke!

I walked for 5 minutes to lower my Heart Rate and prepare for the next mile.  This time, I could feel that I was started slower than the first go.  First lap down, 3 more to go, Second lap down, half way done.  Third lap down, 1 more to go.  I figure another 2 minutes and rest.  It's running, I kind of like doing the count downs and it started with Focus T25 because it's 25 minutes, and everytime the clock reached 13 minutes, I am like we are more than half way done.  Well, this Lap 1 said 7:19.  I am like, NO WAY!!!

I slowed to walk and my son ran over to me with a bottle of water.  I could feel my fingers now really getting cold as the sunset began.  I said to myself, 10 more minutes and we are out of here.  I reset my watch and pressed Start.  3 more, 2 more, 1 more and the beep and vibration went off and I looked down at 7:14.  Really, Negative Splits.  UNBELIEVABLE!!! I don't ever remember breaking 8:00 anytime during any run.

Doing P90X, Insanity, Tai Cheng, Focus T25 and now working with a Triathlon Coach, I have really stepped up my game!  This time last year, I was thinking that I might not be able to run and now I am doing Personal Bests.  I am really lucky!