Post - TNT

Following the end of the Summer Season with TNT, I am left contemplating what is next for me and my sneaks. I haven't kept up with heavy mileage...actually, I haven't run much at all in a few weeks. I did convince my brother and sister in law to participate in the Redondo Beach 4th of July 5k with me...I came real close to finishing in under 30 minutes, and would like to see myself running faster in the shorter distance races. So, unlike many of my past teammates, I haven't committed to any marathons, half or full.
Work has kind of been a little insane lately, and I have been busy gearing up for grad school over the last few weeks. I have, however given my dog Dodger many a happy walks. There was also a (short) period of time where I was waking up early and getting in a few miles before work. Didn't last long. I've been exhausted lately. What a catch 22. When you are active, you are energized...but how do you get energized enough to be active? Ugh. So all in all, on a good week, I get in 10 miles walking or running. No long distance.
A few weeks ago I had convinced myself that I should go on a run with my boyfriend (probably a minimum of 2 minutes per mile faster than I) and a friend of his (who I actually think I may have unintentionally held back due to my slowness) in the hills of Santa Monica. Yea, Palos Verdes is good stuff for hill training...but I was not at all prepared for the trek from Ocean Blvd to Will Rogers State Park. Thank gawd Eric developed a blister and slowed down or else he would've had to carry me back to the car. We did 8.25 miles that day Thank you, Garmin for the data!
I haven't run much since then.
Yesterday, after picking up a DVD for Sue, my ex-mentee and life-long friend, she called me and asked if I was going to Track Tuesday. To be honest, it wasn't on my radar at all...I've missed the last two weeks, actually. My reply, "Yeeees..you can get the movie from me then." She laughed, "what is this a bribe?" Yea, and it was me who was bribed. So we helped each other. One of those things I love about a running group. Beloved Coach Gail was out sick, so Coach Dave (is that his name?) was leading the workout for what I think was the first time. Mind you, Gail's first comment to me upon meeting him was, "he likes to make people puke from running." GREEEAT. So he gave us a structured workout...4 800's at 90%. I struggle with percentages of my effort. It all seems like 100% to me! I'm out here, RIGHT?! So we gave it a shot at the end of our workout, all out sprint 100...that feeling, when your stride just opens up it's arms and carries you along, breath in perfect rythym, body feeling fluid...that's just what I needed. What a great reminder of why I live to wear out Nike's.
It's always hard for me not to overdo it on first day back on the track, after falling off for a while. But it's like my body completely disregards reasoning and logic and takes control. THIS is what you need, now PUSH IT! I've got that soreness wrapping around my core right now...and it feels good. I've so happy I went. School starts next week and I'll be missing Track Tuesdays with the crew till December. Maybe I need to try out USC's track after work/between class. I think it's about time we get that running club started too...