November 29, 2012

Something amazing happened

On Monday, something amazing happened.

I went out for an “easy” 3-mile run, and I ended up running my fastest 3 miles EVER. 



I wasn’t trying to run fast. I even made a point to not look at my watch every few minutes like I normally do. I just ran at a pace that felt comfortable to me.

Apparently, comfortable to me is running the third mile in a single-digit minute per mile pace. What? This girl doesn’t run single-digit minute per mile paces (except with the starting and stopping of the watch during speed work with breaks in between sprints).

So, what does this mean? Why did I run my fastest 3 miles ever when running at an easy, comfortable-to-me pace? Well, I have some theories. 

  • All of the speed work and consistent training is paying off, and this turtle is finally getting faster. This means running faster without feeling like death.
  • I was running by myself (which I highly dislike), so I ran fast to get it over with.
  • Since I had this day off from work, I actually got enough sleep and didn’t have the stress of a normal workday. Maybe ideal pre-run conditions contributed to an ideal run?
  • I ran fast to get away from a hacking, spitting guy.
I know the fourth point is definitely true.

This gives me some hope that what I thought was a far-off dream of an under 30-minute 5K isn’t so far off. Or maybe it was a fluke, and I’ll go back to being my slow, turtle self again.

How did you get faster? Did it take awhile to see a decrease in your time? Do you run fast to get away from hacking, spitting guys?

14 comments:

  1. Awesome!! You definitely have a sub30 5k in you. I know it.
    I haven't ever come across a hacking, spitting guy but I once ran away fast from a homeless guy who asked if I wanted to be his new wife!

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    1. Hahaha! Should I congratulate you on your engagement? :c)

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  2. How about this theory, you are way more fit that you think! You ran a super sweet half a couple weeks ago and you've had time to relax your body and you booked it on fresh legs! Sounds like progress to me! You can totally run a sub-30 5k. 5k's are hard, you can't warm up and start slow for a negative split, you have to GO from the second the gun goes off, you speedwork will help with that. You're the fastest turtle I know! Keep it up!

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  3. Great job! Getting away from gross guys is always good motivation to run faster ;)

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    1. Sometimes I wonder if people do the same to me ... they run faster to get away from the pale, red-faced, heavy-breathing girl!

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  4. This is awesome Jina!! I don't know how the weather is there, but I've read that training in the Summer conditions you to run faster in the Fall. I don't know if there is truth to that, but I'd like to think there is extra benefit to some of the more brutal training sessions I put in this Summer!

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    1. Yeah, summer running is rough! It is cooler and less humid now. It makes sense that it has something to do with it.

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  5. Congratulations on improving on your time! I don't know how I improve on time but I do try to push myself a bit harder each time and keep track of time. Knowing my previous time always motivates me to work a bit harder the next time because I know I can do the distance. If I'm trying out a new distance, I hesitate to go too fast in case I can't finish. I hate to stop and walk.

    Good luck with everything! I nominated you for an award on my blog!

    http://www.gracedishes.com/2012/11/positive-body-image.html

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    1. Thanks! I always hesitate on longer distances, too. I'm probably too conservative, but I don't want to burn out at the end.

      And, thanks for the award nomination! I appreciate it!

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  6. ewww. i have yet to run into a yucky runner, but i know i'd prob be that person. I'm a semi loud breather and i know i snot like a pro!

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    1. Yeah, I have my issues, too: red, sweaty and a breather. I'm just a wimp when it comes to mucus sounds; I get nauseous. Probably more my problem. :c)

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  7. Awesome! My guess is the speed work is paying off. I bet if you signed up for a 5k right now and had good conditions - no super hot and humid- you would kill it in under 30. Or to ensure it is under 30 get a loud mouth breather, spitter to run behind you= you would probably age division place;).

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  8. Congrats on your new time! I'd love for you to join the "Empower Me Healthy" link up on Wed. Have and healthy and happy day.
    -Jamie
    www.efficientbody.blogspot.com

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