Last Thursday was my first track workout in this new marathon training season. I was of course nervous…but as it turned out, it was really really fun!
I ran:
- 3 laps for a warmup (at about a 9:45 pace)
- A reverse ladder consisting of a 1600*, 1200, 800, then 400 (at about a 9:54 pace)
- 2 laps for a cool down (at about a 9:15 pace)
The track was actually a bit snowy / icy from our crazy weather, so I was really surprised that we were moving at a pace that was actually quite quick for me. I spent most of my time chatting with a new running buddy and trying not to bust my butt on the ice. 🙂
We followed up our fun track workout with a great long run on Saturday morning. 8 miles, 80 minutes. (okay, technically 80 minutes & 54 seconds). This run was awesome because mid way through we ran into the Humane Society walking / running with a group of adoptable dogs. That was a really fast mile for me because I just kept running and going “puppppppy!” every few feet. Pretty cool! This was also the first time I’ve run for any real length of time without music. It actually wasn’t that bad, mostly because I ran again with Anne, my buddy from the track.
* A standard track is 400 meters. 1600 = 1 mile. So we ran about 3.25 miles in total.
Update: I just did some googling and found more information about the folks running with the dogs that I spotted. Here is the link to the program’s page. I’d encourage you to get involved with this awesome group — I can’t wait to be back in Rock Creek next weekend to see the dogs again!
Do you do track workouts? Do you listen to music when you run?
Great workout! I have never done track work, although I live near several schools and universities that have tracks. I’ve often wonder what the policy would be for the public to use the track on the off season. (I pay school taxes so I should at least be able to use the track at the public high school, right?)
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…More Giveaways for You!
Yes, most public school tracks are open to the public. A quick google search should confirm. I bet there may even already be a running group using a track near you!
Ahh puppies!!! That sounds awesome – talk about a good distraction on a long run.
Also, track workouts have quickly become my favorite kind of workouts over the years! I always get so nervous before them no matter how many times I’ve done the same workout, but then I feel amazing after…well amazing and exhausted lol.
Colleen L recently posted…Footprints: Monday Morning Recap
I know! It was the best thing ever!!! And yes, me too with the nerves 🙂
I have actually started to get out of the habit of listening to music. It’s refreshing to just have the sounds around you to listen to.
Betsy recently posted…365/350: Mini Golf Fun!
That’s great!! Looking forward to the track this week and the long run Saturday.
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…12 Days of Blogmas, Day 4: Elf 4 Health
I am still loving the track!!! Nice work!
Thank you so much for that link!!! I’m so excited about this program you have absolutely no idea.
Nicole @ Pink Elephant on Parade recently posted…Pearls of Wisdom on Running (from my mom)
Nicole — if you check it out, PLEASE let me know! I’d love to hear how it goes!
Great workout! I listen to music when I run on a track for sure:)
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted…All About Me Monday’s
Aw, I’ve heard of the dog runners before. What a great way to volunteer!
Lindsey recently posted…Week 7 Updates
I listen to music when I run only cause it feels like I can run further (I don’t think it’s true though!). I’ve never done track work before… Something I should look into when I train for my runs in the future! 🙂
Aqilah @ PrettyAwesomeFitness recently posted…Why Carbohydrates Are Not That Evil After All
You should definitely try it! It was fun 🙂
If I ran I’d definately have to listen to music.
Cassi recently posted…I Vant to Suck Your Blood
That’s a great running/dog program! I run with my dog – she loves it!
Tina@GottaRunNow recently posted…5K Race Spectator
My dog is too small to run with, sadly. So we just do the snuggle portion.
I do not do track workouts but it’s something I really want to incorporate into my training. I must listen to music! It keeps me going and pumps me up! 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun
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