Back in Texas, a mere 2 months until Worlds (aghhhhhh!!!! Help me!), and I’m really trying to get busy. Translated into “real” running lingo, that means it’s time to sharpen.
Have I ever mentioned that I HATE sharpening? Sharpening requires me to pay attention to my watch. And go fast. And run up hills. And breathe hard. And spend at least three runs per week feeling like I’m going to puke.
But sharpening is a necessary part of what I need to do to not embarrass myself in Poland. It would be mortifying if they stripped my USA uniform off me in the middle of the race because they became convinced I must have qualified for the team by accident. I can hear it now:
“How the heck did SHE make the team. She looks like she’s a professional cupcake eater, not a runner.”
“Clearly she doesn’t sharpen.”
“Clearly. GET HER!”
And because I live in a constant state of paranoia (and I don’t want to be at the World Championships naked when they take my uniform), I have to do the work. So the misery has begun.
Yesterday I did hill repeats.
I purposely left my finger in there for “realism” 😉
The hill was a quarter mile – my favorite repeat distance because it gets your heart rate up and then you can work on speed mechanics on the way down while you recover. It’s a great way to get the intensity of speedwork without always having to run flat. And since I’m doing so much flat running right now in anticipation of running for 24 Hours on a ONE MILE FLAT LOOP (this is where you can start rolling your eyes and making the lunatic comments – I’ve heard it all and I have very thick skin), being able to get speedwork intensity on something other than a flat road is (almost) a treat.
But, if I’m being truly honest, the real treat for doing the run was this at the end:
Did you really think I would go through misery without something good to show for it? No, I didn’t think so.
Happy Running!
Mom, ultrarunner, four-time US 24 Hour National Team member, adventure athlete, food writer. Graduate of the Pro Cooking Program at the New School of Cooking, Los Angeles. Will run for food.
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Stay sharp! 😉
Hi Jeff – I’m trying 🙂
The other positive outcome from sharpening – if it still doesn’t bring results in terms of extra-speed, if stripped, you will look good:) I am bribing myself with this, anyway.
You lied. You’re not a professional cupcake eater. I know cupcakes and that’s definitely not one.
I sure hope I can lean up! That is definitely one of the benefits, Olga!
So true, Char! But everyone has to stray every now and again 🙂
I’m feeling for ya as I just had my first speed workout on the track yesterday in prep for my fall marathon. Why am I doing this I asked myself as I gasped for air? – the answer of course I already knew. I like your idea of a little reward at the end – think I’ll look for some SnoBalls this week!
Yes, Kent, there must ALWAYS be a treat at the end 🙂
Thank you for your words and your help today. It was very inspiring. I will be cheering for you here in TX when you go to Poland. Happy Running!
Thank you, Joy! It was great to run with you! Can’t wait to hear how your race goes – you look ready!
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