What's My Time?

We have track workouts every Thursday night. Last night our workout consisted of doing some short (50 m) drills and running. The drills were fun – walking on our toes and heels, skipping, walking sideways and lunges. Then came the more grueling part of the workout – running on the track. We split up into three groups based on experience and speed. I tried to go in the middle group but a certain someone convinced me to run with the fast kids.

“No way!” I said. “You guys will run circles around me.”

“Come on. You can do it. I'll even run with you." How generous for the speedy guy to run with slow girl.

That’s all it took to convince me that I belong in the fast group. I’m so easily influenced by others. Needless to say I was feeling a little intimidated by this group. These are the guys that run 7 – 8 minute miles. When I did my timed run 2 weeks ago I averaged 9:50 per mile. Talk about running with the wrong group of people! But I’m always up for a challenge so I figured I might as well try. If I couldn’t keep up I would just demote myself to the middle group.

This is how the run was set up:

1. Run 400 m (one lap on the track which is equal to ¼ mile)
2. Run 800 m (2 laps = 1/2 mile)
3. Run 1600 m (4 laps = 1 mile)
4. Run 800 m
5. Run 400 m

Never in my life have I run so fast for so long. I completed the 400 m in 1:57. The 800 m was a bit slower at just over 4 minutes. And I’m proud to say that I completed the 1600 m run in 8:33! That’s a new record for me! I don’t think I could run more than a mile or so at that pace but at least I know I can do it. That was a big boost to my self esteem. So then I got arrogant and decided that for the last 400 m run I would go all out and see how fast I could do it. A couple of girls got ahead of me early on in the run. I don’t mind being passed up by the fast guy runners but I wasn’t about to let a girl outrun me. This is where my competitive side kicks in. I called on my remaining energy and ran as fast as I possibly could. I was winded and my legs felt like Jell-o and wasn’t even sure I would be able to make it across the finish line. I had to keep telling myself that it was just one lap and then I would be done for the night. So, what was my finishing time? It was 1:37 thank you very much! I think I’m ready to start training for the Olympics!