25 April 2008
OK, I’ll do just one more 400 and maybe one more and. . .
Posted by Deborah Pieri under: Deborah Pieri .
Yesterday was one of “those” days at school. I was exhausted when I left school at 5 to go pick my son, Joe up from track practice. All the way home I kept thinking about how great it would be to just relax, and do nothing but correct papers and maybe have a glass of wine. Instead I forced myself to change into my running gear and head over to the track in East Grand Rapids for some speed work. All the way there I kept thinking that I was just too tired for speed work, and that it probably wasn’t a good idea to go. Even when I got out of the car at the track, my brain was still negotiating with my body, saying “Well at least do the warm-up!” It seems that some of the other runners were also dragging a bit, judging by the conversation as we ran the 2 mile warm-up and then headed out on the track. Speedy Chaz of leap frog fame was there. Only he wasn’t leap frogging last night. . . just burning up the track with speed! Way to go Chaz!
I ran my few 400’s with Emily who is training to run her first 25k on May 10th. She is the daughter of an old friend. She was feeling like me. . . tired and sore. We both ran it under our goals. As I ran the 2nd 400 I thought OK that’s good now I can go home, but something inside of me pushed me to do a 3rd. . . even faster! I can’t stop now. . . I need an even number. . .bring on number 4. Good enough I thought. . . time to go home. I even started to walk off the track. Well, maybe one more, says my brain. . . the body is not so sure, but my feet are moving around the track. The first 200 is easy and I feel great, then the wind slams me on the back side of the track. One more and one more, toughing it out against that wind. And then, oh wow, am I already on number 8? I run number 8 with Rick. . . . one of the nicest and friendliest runners I have ever met. We tear it up and I finish 15 seconds faster than my goal pace! Thanks a bunch Rick! After a mile cool down and some stretching, I am feeling awesome. As a matter of fact, I can’t wipe the grin off my face. When I arrive home and tell my runner son of the struggle to force myself through the speed work, he laughs and says, “Nice work Mom.” I know my speed work is not at the same grueling level his is at track practice, but he is very encouraging to me.
One of the best things about being a road warrior is having the opportunity to train with rungazelle and the other road warriors. I’ve never trained with a big group before. I love the energy, the camaraderie, the encouragement, the laughs, the coffee after the long runs, and yes, even the speed work! I am so impressed with this group that I am seriously considering signing up for a membership after the race. I would highly encourage those who are training alone to consider the benefits of training with a group. We push each other when we don’t feel like running. Even on the most brutal days this past winter, lots of runners would show up! That was amazing!
I know that I am stronger and faster than when I first began training in December. I am excited because I see myself growing as a runner, even after 10 years of running and being 51 years old! I can still set goals and knock them down! I love it!
Two weeks to go!
Deb
One Comment so far...
Bob Says:
26 April 2008 at 10:01 am.
Great work Deb. You are very inspirational person. You are going to really roll on May 10th without a doubt!