Wednesday, April 20, 2011

mid-week update

My training has been going well despite the awful weather outside and the mounting tension as the semester comes to an end. Last minute projects kept me up most of the night, so getting up at 5:30 to arrive at the gym by 7:15 this morning felt like a major accomplishment. Although seven miles were on the agenda today, I could only manage 6.2. First of all, because I was going to be late to class and second, I get really bored on the treadmill. I didn't have the steady urging of a good beat to keep me company today. My literature class had some required reading so I was listening to an audiobook. Although they're not always adequate distraction from the monotony of treadmill running, I LOVE audiobooks. They save me from getting behind on my reading. I like to read but my problem is that I am always goGoGO and when I eventually stop, It's naptime.
Yesterday's hill repeats were replaced by a little experimentation with the incline controls of the treadmill. First time I ever even touched those buttons. I never even think of it as an option. I ran 2.7 of my 5 miles yesterday at a 4% incline. I'm still not sure if that's good, but I felt adequately challenged so I considered it enough.

Like I said before, tension is mounting as I prepare projects, presentations and study for finals. I don't have much time for anything but I still find the time to run. It is a top priority for me (next to aceing all my finals of course) and helps me fight back the end-of-semester worries. If I can pull off 14 miles or an over 6 mile stretch on a treadmill, hellacious finals or three 15 minute presentations performed back-to-back seem like small cookies in comparison.
Gotta Go...
Keep running and reading and I will do the same.

2 comments:

  1. when is your race? i am contemplating running a full marathon. a little nervous! good luck and keep up the good work.

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  2. I think a 4% incline rocks! I rarely get above 2% unless I specifically make it a hill workout. Nice job!
    :)

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