Week 18

Well, this was my first week back at full strength. It had its ups and downs, but I hit my mileage, tested myself in some difficult workouts, and feel strong heading into next week.

On Friday evening I did a speed workout at Richard Montgomery. I did 3 x 200 (100 jog), 800, 600, 6 x 400, 600. The 2's were meant to serve as a warm-up, and the first 8 and 6 were meant to be at about 5 minute pace or just under. From that point on the workout was meant to be pretty fast, somewhere around mile pace. I hit 2:31, 1:50, 70, 69, 66, 67, 66, 68, 1:46.

I wore flats through the first 3 400s and up to that point I felt great. Once I strapped spikes on, the workout definitely went downhill. I haven't worn spikes since November, and my feet and legs were definitely not used to them. My stride felt awkward and choppy with spikes on--which is unfortunate but was a good learning experience. I was expecting the spikes to put an extra spring in my legs and help make the workout a bit faster in the second half, but it had the opposite effect.

I was also planning on ending with an 800 after the second 600, but I got a calf cramp and I was locking up on the 600 so I decided to play it safe and just end the workout there. I think the desired effect was reached and I have no regrets.

Totals:
Week 18: 70
April: 100
Season: 1014