So I am realizing that the reason it’s taken me so long to write a post about my first track workout is because it was really that boring. Sort of like a hamster wheel. No, actually more like running around in circles, which was the epitome of all things fun when I was 5. But today just seems kind of pointless. So with that said…here is my post about my first, of many (…sigh) track workouts.
Thursday am, I rose at 5:45 for a 6:30 track workout with a running group. As I confessed to you guys the other day, I knew nothing about track work. But I do remember running on one when I was little. Not sure why since I wasn’t on track team or anything. But I have that memory lodged in my mind. When I arrived, there were two people there. One was the group leader/coordinator that looked so frail I was afraid the wind was going to blow him away. The other was not so frail, but also NOT so friendly. He glanced at me, mumbled his name and said he was getting started. So I was left with Twiggy with a penis.
Twiggy was helpful and very knowledgeable despite his stature. However, I HAD to give him the “sista stare” when he suggested I sprint 800 meters/jog 400, 4 times after a mile jogging warm-up. I realized that after running 4.5 miles the day before and never doing more than 20 mins of speed work in the past, I would never be able to do that. So I decided to alternate 100m sprints with 100m jogs, for two miles. I am not sure how effective it was, but if my legs burning the next day was any indication, I’m good =P
Things I realize:
1. My legs don’t really like running on a track. I was getting very annoying pains in my right ankle and my shins. I actually still have some lingering pain today (and actually skipped my recovery run on Saturday because I was hungover still in pain.) So I’m going to monitor this next week and see if it happens again. If so, I might have to figure out another way to get my speed work in.
2. The track is a very deceiving place. It looks huge but it’s only 400m. So you have to cover it 4 times to hit a mile.
3. There’s a whole culture to track workouts which includes more lingo that one needs to understand prior to getting out there. I did a little homework by reading Active.com’s Guide to Track Workouts. So should you, if you’re new to them.
4. Bring a watch…OOPS! I had to run with my cell phone in my hand. My fingers froze.
5. Preserve your energy because it’s nothing like panting for dear life and realizing you have 4 more repeats to do. Talk about hell on earth.
6. And NEVER, NEVER, NEVER no matter tempting it looks, attempt to jump over a track hurdle.
Laters,
An anonymous black girl who despises track workouts (and probably will forever) but will love having a shiny new 5k PR come spring.
i can not believe twiggy suggested you do 800s for your first track workout! that’s insane. you’re idea was perfect. track workouts can definitely suck but they’ll make a big difference in your time so keep at them!