06.06.07
Relaxation
I ran a tough workout today: 6 x 700m on a horseshoe shaped loop at the UNC Golf Course, also known as the “Upper Loop” of the UNC Cross-Country Course. It was fairly hot but enjoyable training weather.
Intervals 1 - 3 were standard. I ran hard enough to experience some discomfort but easy enough to maintain my form and finish all 6 intervals in around the same time (roughly 2:00).
Interval 4 was the beginning of the “pain zone” as Joan affectionately refers to it. I’ve come to appreciate the pain zone, it is the point in the workout where I hurt the most but get the most benefit for my future races. The point of training (for me) is to race; each workout becomes a piece of ammunition or a new weapon for a later race. I like to line up for each race with a full arsenal and lots of ammo. Forgive the violent metaphor.
Back to the workout: Interval 4 hurt, plain and simple. I bet you’re wondering, “why is the title of this post ‘relaxation?’” Well, at this point in the workout, the point where the pain really sinks in and your muscles feel like they’ve dissolved, the natural human response is to either fight back or give up. I did neither, or you could say, I did both. I didn’t “dig down” or “fight through” or “push” or “punch” or try harder, what I did do was relax.
You could say I fought for composure. This isn’t just a silly play on words, this is my training style. I drop my shoulders, relax my face, and show to the outside world tranquility; inside, I am suffering.
I relaxed. And then I ran faster. And by the last interval, I ran faster still. Every step was a learning experience. It amazes me that the workouts Joan designs always teach me something new about my body and my mind.
Getting off the track for tonight’s workout was a great idea. I get trapped on the track sometimes, too curious about every split for my own good. But in a sport that is governed by time, is it any wonder that I am so susceptible to looking at my watch every 100 meters? Tonight’s workout was an excellent chance to get away from time dictating my effort and instead focus on my body, my breathing, my cadence, my stride, and all the little minutiae inbetween. I got a little better tonight. I can feel it. Thank God for the pain zone.
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davey quinn said,
June 12, 2007 at 5:28 pm
hey jason,
3:41 is moving. nice race. i ran for carnegie mellon university in pittsburgh this past year. my pr in the 1500 is 3:50.6. i am moving to charlotte this summer to start a job with bank of america. i am still training and have always thought of myself as an 800 runner so i think i have untapped potential in the 15. i was wondering if there is anyway i could train with the cac from charlotte and if you were interested in another training partner. cheers.
dq