I finally caved in and got a new pair of running shoes yesterday. Quite happy to report that I got another pair of Sauconys (that brand and my feet seem to have a great relationship), and that I also got that plus a pair of socks for less than $90.
The new shoes
Anyways, my training the last few days have been difficult and slow-going, or at least it feels like it. I ran on Sunday morning, where it was already in the upper 80s by the time I got out of the house, and went slooooowwww. Yesterday was plyometrics and strength, which I covered at a local park. What seemed vaguely fun last Wednesday turned into an absolute chore last night, especially the squat jumps. I'm still feeling the "burn" from those, as they'd say.
And my running coach and I have figured out a time goal for my half-marathon: 1:45. It's doable, but it's also scary thinking about it. I really do want to run a much faster pace, however. I'll just have to buckle down and just do it.
Showing posts with label plyometrics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label plyometrics. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Speedwork Time!
Tonight was the first session with my running coach, and as I drove up to the park where it was held, I actually got a bit nervous. I hadn't done much running up hills in my thus-far-short running journey, and was pondering what would exactly happen at the meeting.
But I got there and was pleased to find out that things started with a 1.5 mile warm up run. OK - that's fine and manageable for me. I can handle it. Then the fun started with plyometrics! We bounded up and down on the grass, ran with butt kicks, knees up, skipped, hopped on one leg then the other, and then for the finale - squat jumps. *thud* I hate those. A LOT!!! I'll do 'em, but it doesn't mean I have to like them one bit!
The excitement, however, really ramped up with this circuit, which consisted of:
-Sprinting up a hill as fast as you can
-At the top, do 10 pushups
-Run/walk/jog to the bottom of the hill, then do 20 sit-ups
Repeat a minimum of 6 times, aim for optimum of 10 times.
I could only complete 7 circuits. And to my credit (because I'm all about giving myself credit), I did the full-on, military-style pushups for each installment. No on-the-knees ones for me. The sit-ups really did me in. I could barely lift myself by the last circuit. I also hate, hate, HATE, sit-ups. But I'm not feeling totally beat up, so things are going better than I'd anticipated.
The running coach commented that my form is good and efficient, but that I have to work on increasing my stride. Got it - the plyo better work its magic in this area, then.
Now I have a craving for cupcakes. Too bad I don't have any bake mix in the house to give into this!
But I got there and was pleased to find out that things started with a 1.5 mile warm up run. OK - that's fine and manageable for me. I can handle it. Then the fun started with plyometrics! We bounded up and down on the grass, ran with butt kicks, knees up, skipped, hopped on one leg then the other, and then for the finale - squat jumps. *thud* I hate those. A LOT!!! I'll do 'em, but it doesn't mean I have to like them one bit!
The excitement, however, really ramped up with this circuit, which consisted of:
-Sprinting up a hill as fast as you can
-At the top, do 10 pushups
-Run/walk/jog to the bottom of the hill, then do 20 sit-ups
Repeat a minimum of 6 times, aim for optimum of 10 times.
I could only complete 7 circuits. And to my credit (because I'm all about giving myself credit), I did the full-on, military-style pushups for each installment. No on-the-knees ones for me. The sit-ups really did me in. I could barely lift myself by the last circuit. I also hate, hate, HATE, sit-ups. But I'm not feeling totally beat up, so things are going better than I'd anticipated.
The running coach commented that my form is good and efficient, but that I have to work on increasing my stride. Got it - the plyo better work its magic in this area, then.
Now I have a craving for cupcakes. Too bad I don't have any bake mix in the house to give into this!