Track Workout

THE WORKOUT

• 2 laps around the Upper Track at Kezar
• 10 minutes of drills
• 10 minutes slow warm up
• 4 sets of 1 minute sprints with 2 minutes of jogging/walking recovery
• 10 minute slow cool down
• Stretching

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE WORKOUT

• Don't take Laguna Honda to Parnassus at 6:00 pm when class gets out at UCSF
• Leave home early enough to find parking, even though I lucked out with parking
• Take it easy on the 2 laps and during the slow warm up
• Don't drink too much water before the workout, especially since there's only 1 open bathroom for 80-90 people

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

Running along the Embarcadero on cold night

I went out on my 2nd run of the season last night along the Embarcadero.  It was definitely a cold night, but I got through the run.  Coach sent the group out toward AT&T Park and normally I run a 3:2 pace.  My watch started beeping after 3 minutes.  I looked at the runners ahead of me and no one was stopping to walk.  I thought, "Crap!  I don't want to be the only one that stops to walk, especially with Coach running behind me."  So, I ran for the next 2 minutes.  There was a girl running next to me and she was smiling and waving.  I smiled and waved back.  My watch went off again for my next 3:2 set and still no one was stopping, so I kept running.  The girl started waving at me again and this time she took her earphone out and said, "Hey, it looks like we're running at the same pace."  I replied and told her that I normally run for 3 minutes and walk for 2.  I was so grateful when she said, "I'll walk if you walk."  Now I have someone new to run with on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

I'm actually proud of myself that I'm able to get out and run again and not feel sluggish afterwards.  Plus, I've gone 2 days without wearing a shin brace.  Although, at times I felt like I needed it.  Mind over matter.  Tomorrow's run will definitely be intense.  We're doing track training tomorrow and they're having us do timed miles.  Man, I haven't done that since high school.  I am a little bit excited to be out on the track again though.

Time to finish lunch and get back to work.

~*~Run Mel Run~*~

First Run of the Training Season

Yesterday was the start of my running season.  I went out to Sports Basement in the Presidio to meet up with the San Francisco Marathon Training Program.  After a 30 minute orientation in the cold, the coaches sent us out on a "down and back" two mile run towards the Golden Gate Bridge with our pace groups.  I placed myself in a slower pace group (just because I haven't been running for a while), but found myself in the front of that group and sometimes even meshing in with the group in front of me.  Afterwards, I felt so refreshed and ready to start the rest of my day. According to my training schedule, today is a "rest" day, so I will be doing just that.  I have training again tomorrow night and then again on Wednesday night.  I'm really excited about Wednesday night because we'll be training on the track.  I'm sure it will take me back to my high school track workouts.

I'll be working on getting my donation website up and running this week.  I will be raising money to support the California Breast Cancer Research Program.  I will be sending more details as I get them.

Until next time....

*~*Run Mel Run*~*

Look who's back!

I'm baaaaaaack!

I'm beginning the 26-week San Francisco Marathon Training Program.  The first day of training starts tomorrow.  Eek!  No, it's not that bad.  I've actually been looking forward to this day for awhile.  I've been yearning to feel the thrill of having the crisp San Francisco air on my face, training with a group, and raising money for a good cause.  What I really can't wait for is to cross the Finish Line with my family and friends cheering me on.

Well, since tomorrow marks the first day of my journey to the Finish Line, I thought I'd kick off my 2009 running season with a new look-and-feel to my blog.  Oh, plus the San Francisco Marathon changed its logo from red to blue.

Stay tuned for more fundraising details.

Run Mel Run