So!
Did I mention that I signed up for an 8K? No?
Remember like months and months ago when I sort of accidentally took up running and said I was going to run a 5K? And then I never mentioned it again, because I kind of hoped everyone would forget?
Well, a few weeks ago, some friends from work coerced me into signing up for the Shamrock Shuffle. So it appears that I am running an 8K in a little more than two weeks. Eep.
Now, I know for “serious runners” (ahem, Nilsa) the Shamrock Shuffle is a laughable little fun run which hardly even counts as a road race. But when your personal longest outdoor run ever was previously 1 mile, and your personal longest treadmill run ever was previously 2 miles, an 8K is nothing to sneeze at.
In fact, I was pretty convinced I was not going to make it, so I sort of held off on telling you until now.
But! On Sunday I did 4.5 miles, which is almost the full race distance, so I think I might just be able to finish this thing. Given my newfound confidence, I feel comfortable telling you about my 8K plan, which directly led to the following story:
To train for the Shuffle, I’ve been following a program. (I know! It’s only 5 miles! Who needs to follow a PROGRAM to be able to run 5 miles?) (I do!) According to the program, I was supposed to run 3 miles this morning. I set my alarm for 6am to give myself plenty of time to get to the gym, run 3 miles, and shower before work.
(We can see where this is going, right?)
At 6:58 am, I bolt up in bed and look at the clock. Shit. Am a full hour behind schedule. Cannot reschedule run for after work, as I am going wedding dress shopping with Bird, and then to drink champagne. (Whee! My life, it is SO HARD. I KNOW.) So I jump out of bed, throw on sweats, and jog to the gym.
At this point I’m running so late that I figure I only have time for a 20 minute run if I’m even going to have a prayer of getting to work on time.
“Hm,” I think to myself. “What’s a way I could maximize my 20 minute run?… I know! Speed work!”
(Do I technically know what speed work is? Not really. It’s just a term I hear runner-types bandying about. But I figure it must mean something like “try to run faster,” right?)
So I set the treadmill to 7.3 (super hard for me) and proceed to pound out 2 miles in 17 minutes. I am elated! This is my fastest yet! And I got a good workout in in less than 20 minutes! I rule! Am running goddess!
I slow the treadmill down to a stop, and step off to go get a towel to wipe the machine down aaaaaand…..my tired legs can’t support me and my right knee buckles and I completely and totally eat it on the (very grimy) gym floor. At prime gym-going time. In front of approximately 143 people. Awesome!
So: speed work! Makes you feel good about yourself for about 15 seconds, until you fall flat on your face and remember why you are not so much a runner.
(But I’m still doing the 8K. Don’t let me wimp out. If you don’t hear me talk about it on Monday the 30th, call me out, okay?)
March 10, 2009 at 2:42 pm
OMG stop apologizing! You are awesome and nobody is judging you for not being able to run nine million miles in a row. Instead we are all very impressed at what you CAN do. And a little bit jealous.
March 10, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Oh you – I am so impressed with your run today. Even running champs (not me!) – running that fast for 17 minutes straight is huge! You’re so going to rock out that 8K and I’ll be cheering loudly for you when you do (from the gym, of course, because I’ll be working that morning!).
March 10, 2009 at 2:52 pm
pseudo – i’m running a 5k, and i’m on a program! i think that you are going to do amazingly well. you are already fit and i think that you can do it! yay for you!!
March 10, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I consider myself a “fake runner.” I probably do 2 or 3 road races a year (usually 5Ks, but one 10K), but my pace is slower than 10min/mile. I think running two miles in 17 minutes is very impressive! I’ve never run that fast for that long in my life!
I also use Hal Higdon’s workout plans when I “train” for races… they make running seem very doable.
March 10, 2009 at 2:55 pm
dude! 8k! that is FAR for us non-official-runners! and HOLY CRAP BALLS, 17 minutes of RUNNING RUNNING? 7.3 is RUNNING running. you are totally a goddess of running awesomeness. true story.
March 10, 2009 at 4:21 pm
AH HA HA HA HA HA!! I mean…*sober, commiserating expression*
March 10, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I am totally impressed by the fact that you can run 4.5 miles. And the face plant in front of millions of people? Totally something I would do.
March 10, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Dude, we do a program EVERY SPRING to help us run 5K. You are totally my hero!! Rock on!
March 15, 2009 at 10:15 pm
The Shamrock Shuffle is way fun…even if you can’t finish running the 5 miles, just finish at a walk. WHO CARES? Not the people on the sidelines OR your fellow runners/walkers. It’s just fun….so do it and then drink your free beer…or 5 like I have been know to do after the shuffle, and then stumble home 🙂