Friday, October 31, 2008

Indiana Jen and the Tempo of Doom

I hesitated to look, but I did. As I feared, the schedule revealed it's horrific request: 12 miles, 7 Tempo Pace. I shuddered. The run loomed darkly throughout the day. I distracted myself by reading blogs, watching tv, eating Fruity Pebbles, but it was useless. The uncomfortable effort that was my fate weighed heavily upon me. Finally, the clock chimed four and I knew it was time. First, I must run 5 miles at an easy pace. This act only prolonged to my dread. I completed this run with minimal effort and as I jogged I gained some confidence. I returned home and joined forces with my trusty sidekick, and we marched boldly out the door. It was time! I must face my enemy, the tempo run. I puffed out my chest and furrowed my brow and charged into battle.


Ok that was way too much effort! I just felt all dramatic and halloweeny. hehe, weenie.


So I did my warm up miles solo:


5.4 miles/50:25/9:20 average pace


Then Zach came home from work and helped pace me on my 7 mile tempo run:


7.0 miles/54:46/7:49 average pace


It really was how I described above. I so dread these runs! Especially this one which is the longest of the schedule. 7 miles seems like so long to push at that pace. Technically it's only a little faster than half-marathon pace, which I of course can run for 13 miles, but still. Ugh.


This is the first time I did my tempo run with Zach and boy it helped! I told him my goal was to start off a bit slower, like 8:00 pace. Then I told him I wasn't going to look at my watch and just run by effort. I just asked him to tell me "good" if I asked how our pace was. Every mile I would say "how was it?" and he said "good" every time. :) We finally stopped for a drink of water after mile 5 but the fountain wasn't working, so we ran another mile and finally got a drink. Then we powered home. I only asked Zach what our pace was after that first stop and was so happy to hear it was 7:55 or something. I think not knowing my pace helped me run strong for longer. I think I get kind of intimidated when I know for sure that I'm running 7:45 or whatever.


So the total workout was:


Thursday
12.4 miles/1:45:11/8:29 average pace


After the run and for the rest of the night I was very sore. Especially my left shin and knee area. It's a familiar soreness but still sucks. I actually took a couple Aleve which I rarely do. Luckily this morning it feels a bit better, but still sore. I was supposed to run 5 miles today but decided to take it extra easy since I have 20 miles tomorrow!


Friday
3.0/28:31/9:30 average pace


I felt fine once I started running but stuck to my plan of 3 miles. It was a very halloweeny run- it was rainy and there are leaves everywhere. I downloaded a spooky tale from The Classic Tales Podcast. I even wore my Run Like Hell race shirt from a couple weeks ago which has a Halloween picture. I'm such a dork! I saw a few people riding bikes and walking in costumes, but no runners in costume. :)


Tonight we're not going to any parties since we have a long run tomorrow. But, we are going to see David Sedaris at this neat theatre.


Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!! I'll leave you with a picture of our pumpkins that we carved last night. Mine is, as always, the "special" looking one.


Tune in next week for pictures of my cat dressed in a to-be-determined costume! Here are a couple of previous designs:


16 comments:

Unknown said...

Great job and it's nice to have someone to do run with for the tempo runs.

Cindy said...

cute pumpkins! man, excellent tempo run. i totally envy your speediness. have a good long run, it should be nice and cool!

Aron said...

i am completely with you on the tempo runs... i would rather do the intervals anyday! but having chris with me this week really helped. next time i should try the not looking at the watch part :) GREAT JOB you totally nailed the last one... only intervals from here on out :)

have a great halloween!!! i hope it stays dry for us! its not looking good for me though.

Emily said...

I am proud of the workout! I also love the kitty cat costume - sooooo cruel and awesome.

Ewen said...

No, it was worth the effort Jen. I was really getting into that. Great title too.

Excellent workout - the "Tempo of Zoom"!

Your pumpkin is the one on the right? I don't know how you're going to top those cat costumes.

21stCenturyMom said...

Nice job on the tempo run (I am such a weenie I can't imagine).

Your cat looks looks very proud to have won - hahaha...

KK said...

Way to knock out that tempo run. I totally agree: they blow.

Funny cat costumes.

Your training (or what I've read lately at least) is awesome , BTW. What are you shooting for at CIM, sub 3:30? You are well on your way, keep up the good work!

Marathon Maritza said...

LOVE the title of this post!

Great job kicking tempo ass and taking names! You're awesome!

Your poor cat...but I love that his watch has no time, just 'PR!' lol

ShirleyPerly said...

Nice job on the long tempo run. I'm with you. They are tough and good to do with someone else. Sometimes I've done them as part of a half marathon.

Great Halloween pics!

ncrunner12 said...

really good job, hope you had a great halloween... I LOVE the cat pics... Awesome!

Petraruns said...

Well done on the tempos and can't wait to see what kitty went as this year...

SavvyFitChica said...

Great job getting that tempo run done Jen! I feel the same way about those pesky things- they suck! You did a great job though!

I can't wait to see pics of your cat- very creative!

Kelsalynn

GB said...

Jen, I really get sick to my stomach when I see a long tempo run on my schedule. They are my least favorite workout. Good job on getting her done... good job to Zach too!

I should find a training partner!

N.D. said...

Great job on the 20! Mm I want some gu. Great pics! I was glad Paula and Kara won top 3 too!

Mir said...

You get a prize for having the cleverest post title ever. :)

I always dread the 7-mile tempo run too--yet it always seems to work out somehow. Great job.

I also LOVE the cat pictures. Reminds me, I need to check I Can Has Cheezburger...

Eric said...

Cats just never look to enthuseastic about anything :-)