The last three or four weeks I have been meeting Radgowski one day a week or so to run the Springbrook Prairie reserve before work. I have probably ran more miles on this 5.5 mile loop than anywhere else on this planet. It use to practically be in my backyard.
Well here is the joy of running with someone, last week when I headed out I didn't feel great but the legs came around as the miles increased so the times weren't bad. I think Matt was hurting a bit but I told him our average and he pushed through to the end. We both knew we were towards the end, we had each other to push us and we knew we would have some decent times to set the bar for the remainder of the summer.
Now fast forward to yesterday, after doing the Computrainer Class on Wednesday, followed up with the 9.5 mile run at Waterfall Glen and swimming last night I wasn't to positive on how the legs would feel this morning.
Radgowski had sent me a text yesterday that the bar has been set so we need to beat our time from last week. OK we all know I have issues with challenges especially ones that are realistically within my reach. So mentally I am set that we have to beat it and still try and negative split the miles (little wrinkles I like to throw in). We get there this morning and Matt is doubting that this is a good idea and well I am kind of up in the air, I like to make that decision after a mile or so. We head out, blister on foot feels OK, legs don't feel terrible and well it is cool and perfect for running, game on. First mile goes by, not bad, second mile goes by and feel even better, mile 3 I think Rags is starting to doubt this is a good idea but he continues on. I figure if we just up it a little we can beat our time pretty easily. Mile 4 is fairly flat so the time increases and starts a little downhill. As we hit the steep little hill right before the end, I think about Galena and try to just sprint up it, that hurt but was the perfect ending. This is a prime example of why I think running, biking, swimming with someone or groups is the best way to increase your fitness. It motivates you to get out and do it, usually it pushes you harder than you would by yourself and is almost always more enjoyable.
Here is the comparison of the two weeks. I will use this as my gauge to try and decrease every month from now until November.
Mile 4/16/10 4/6/10
1 7:30 7:53
2 7:26 7:29
3 7:29 7:24
4 7:24 7:23
5 7:12 7:21
0.56 6:51 7:03
Total 40:55 41:27
Avg 7:21 7:27
Distance 5.56 5.55
1 comments:
Nice work. I think we're motivated in the same way. I have little competitions with myself all the time. Keeps it fun and interesting. Having a buddy with the same drive is just icing on the cake.
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