This morning I tackled my first speed-work session in a long time. You may recall my last two attempts:

• I had no music so scrapped the speed work and went for a regular run…then lost my key because karma is fun like that.
• I only managed one speed mile before wanting to keel over and die in misery right then and there.

Needless to say, I felt a little wary heading out for my speed run this morning.

About to get started on my first track speed workout on over a month. What doesn't kill me makes me stronger, right?

August 3, 2011 7:15 am via HootSuiteReplyRetweetFavorite

@TinaFFF

Tina Reale

I had a pretty defeatist attitude going into the run because the speed interval paces frightened me. A mile in 7:50 seemed pretty lofty. Then, to do that twice?? Even with recover jogs between, I didn’t feel too certain. I tried not to think about it too much and got moving with my mile warm-up. As I rounded the last lap on the track for that first mile a thought struck me.

IT’S UP TO YOU. NO ONE ELSE. IT’S UP TO YOU.

Dang you, rambling thoughts! You just had to go and get all inspirational on me. But okay. I will give it my all. That is all I can do. It’s up to me to do that. No one can run this speed session for me. I will get out of my head and allow my legs to carry me. I can push myself harder and faster. I will go past the slight heavier breathing or the burning sensation in my legs. I will believe I can and will “do this thing” as I like to say. If I want victory over the dreaded speed work, then I must put in the work. It’s up to me.

That equates to 4 miles with an average pace of 8:43!! I utterly kicked that speed session’s butt. And all before the sun was even fully out.

I just may have done a little happy dance. And next month’s 6 mile speed session sounds totally doable, especially when I remember it’s up to me and I can do this. My choices come from ME. My effort in my workouts. My decisions with food. My attitude. No matter the circumstances, we can each make the personal effort to do our best and reap the rewards. What an empowering thought! And if I can do it, then anyone can. It’s up to you. And you know what? You got this! 🙂

• What workouts tend to make you nervous or expect the worst?
• What’s an empowering thought for you?

I hope you all have gotten your bid on today for The Great Fundraising Act! You still have until 9:30 pm EST to bid on my Lemon Raspberry Muffins and your choice of FFF shirt!

Has everyone had a good day so far? Mine was pretty “meh”. I had a headache most of the day and my hamstrings/butt hindered walking for the day. I can get so sore in my hamstrings so easily. I don’t mind a little soreness at times, but it never seems to fail that my hamstrings are either comfortable or suuuupppperrrr tight. Never just slightly sore. Not a fan. I even had to put aside my workout I had planned for today and go with an unplanned rest day. If you can call taking the kids to a play group event at a playground a true day of rest, that is. ;) 

I’m actually kind of surprised that I have such soreness going on in my legs after a low-key workout yesterday. Yesterday’s plan involved a two mile easy run and light cross training. I completed the run on the treadmill yet again and followed it up with some time on the elliptical at an easy pace and resistance. Thank goodness for our gym’s Cardio Cinema room playing Sweet Home Alabama to keep me distracted!

I had impeccable timing because I showed up just as the movie started playing. I had to peel myself away because I wanted to see the end. For some reason, I can’t remember the details of how it ended. Although, of course I know who she ends up with. Chick flicks are nothing, if not predictable.

That doesn’t mean I will ever stop watching them, though. In fact, they now rank at the top of my preferred movie watching lists. I have always enjoyed a romantic comedy, but used to never choose one over a good suspense film. Now, though? I just can’t take suspense films anymore apparently! We tried watching the movie The Law Abiding Citizen for our at home date night on Saturday night and I had to beg Peter to turn it off. The plot line of a widowed husband seeking vengeance on the murderers of his wife and daughter literally had me sick to my stomach.

I’m not so delusional to think that things like murder don’t happen in our world, but I simply can’t stomach a movie that focuses on such stories anymore. Now, with my own family, whenever I see a film with such plot lines I find myself sucked into dark thoughts of “what if something like that ever happened to us”. It depresses me too much. I literally started getting shaky, anxious, and nauseous from watching. Overdramatic, much?

Luckily I have a good husband who happily obliged to finishing the movie on his own time and switching to something light-hearted to watch together. Even when something like Notting Hill caught my eye in the Netflix streaming options.

Guess I’ve been in the mood for old school chick flicks? Poor Peter. I bet he misses the days when movies like Saw ranked at the top of my list.

• What is your favorite movie genre? Any that you just can’t stand to watch?
• Where do you HATE feeling sore from a workout?