I have a long standing fear of speed, mostly when punched into the treadmill. I remember when I thought a 10 minute mile was unachievable, but I ran my half marathon at a pace of 9:49, so it's not unachievable. It's a mental block. But even now, punching 6.0 into the treadmill is scary. I'm instantly filled with self doubt and fear of failure.
My training plan calls for a 5 mile run with 3 miles at 8:54 pace in the very first week. I've been scared of that run since I laid eyes on this plan over 1 month ago. My 5k PR pace was 8:50, and I'm supposed to tack another mile on before and after repeating that performance? Fear. I keep telling myself that the pace is a goal. It's OK if I don't hit it. What's the worst that'll happen? I just need to aim for that pace but if I have to slow down so I can get those 3 miles in at a tempo pace or take walk breaks between each mile, so be it. But that's next week.
Today I did a 30 minute core class at the gym before hitting the treadmill for a mini tempo run- sort of a mental prep for next week. Since I will be using the treadmill more than I'd like during this training cycle, I've upped the incline to try and level out the playing field with running outside. My adjusted speeds for the run were:
Mile 1- 10:32
Mile 2- 9:01
Mile 3- 10:32
I had to take a little break after mile 2, because apparently my current level of fitness reveals that 9:01 is near puke pace. I really thought I was going to lose it. After a couple minutes in the bathroom I got back on the treadmill and ran the last mile.
TMI and My Mind is Blown
1 year ago
2 comments:
Me too. Very. I did a tempo yesterday with 3 miles @ 9:31 and then a 0.5 mile break and then 2 miles @ 9:13 and I thought I was going to die. 8:54 for 3 would scare the heck out of me. BUT when you finish a speedwork session, you'll feel like a superhero. It's ok to fear it as long as you are determined to get through it.
For me, 6.0 on a treadmill feels SO. MUCH. FASTER than a 10 min pace outside. After I bailed on an attempted 6-mile treadmill run last weekend, I swore never again. I will run in 150 degree heat outside from now on before I try to struggle through six miles on that damn machine again. It beat the living crap out of me.
Remember, tempo runs are more about the effort than the actual pace.
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