A couple of weeks ago I wrote that I started doing speedwork again (Here is my post in case you missed it). As of Christmas week, there is a treadmill in our apartment. It prevents me from making excuses. There’s nothing getting in my way of what I’m supposed to do now except me. So, for the last 3 weeks, I’ve forced myself to do speed sessions once a week.
During preseason basketball at West Point, we were timed running miles on the track – my miles were always around 7:00. When I was on the Fort Hood Army 10-miler Team, we did track workouts 1x/week – my miles dropped to 6:15-6:25. I got my miles down to 6:10 when I was deployed to Iraq in 2007-2009. That’s been my personal record (PR) until last week.
I ran my fastest mile ever last Thursday (5:59). This week, I planned to run 5x mile repeats. I woke up tired, sore, and not in the mood to do miles on the treadmill. I debated doing them right up until the moment I stepped on the treadmill – I secretly wanted to crawl back into bed for the next hour. But I know myself and knew that I would regret my decision all day…so I got on.
Although I didn’t run all 5x repeats (my son woke up during the recovery of my 3rd), I managed to beat my time from last week…and then ran another mile even faster.
6:06, 5:58, 5:56
TWO miles under 6!?!? Last week was the first time I ever saw a “5″ before a mile pace. I don’t know whether it’s because I’m starting to believe I can run this fast [my goal for my first mile race is < 5:45) or that the speedwork is already paying off. Maybe a little bit of both?
As I walked danced into my son’s room (extremely sweaty) to greet him from his morning nap, I kept thinking about how happy I was from my consecutive PRs just moments before. Nothing could top that. My morning was made.
And then I saw my son.
My happy, spirited, loving, sweet little boy standing in his crib – smiling and babbling at ME. Happy to see ME!
And realized that nothing will EVER top him. Even if I had a terrible run, all I need to do is look at him smiling at me and everything is okay. He makes me forget the good and bad – and realize that what’s important is the little boy standing right in front of me.
I’m beyond excited that I PR’d (twice) yesterday.
But he beats 2x PRs any day.
Have you done a mile race before? How’d you do??
You amaze me! I don’t think my legs could ever move that fast lol. Congrats on an incredible PR!
Oh that face beats 5 PR’s in one week. I love it. What a blessing!
Thanks, Lindsay (not Liz – sorry!)…we’re pretty lucky =) He really puts things into perspective for me!
Yay Michie! You are are awesome
great post and love the chair – hehe !
Paul’s mom got him that chair when he started walking!! Isn’t it awesome?? He just walks over to it now and plops himself in! LOL. Love you!
Awww, he’s such a sweetie!
I would love to do a mile race someday!
Congrats! I love doing mile repeats (when I have the energy) though I’ve never dipped below 6 myself.
Your son is adorable. Love the chair!
Great perspective! I am happy that you get to have your cake and eat it too! Smokin’ fast numbers–woot!
Too cute!!! Congrats on all counts. I have no idea how I am going to keep up with you for a run lol
Oh hush, Steph! We are going to have a great, fun, chatty run =) Can’t wait!!
Oh my goodness what a cutie!! Such a happy smile!
Congrats on your double PRs! That is super speedy!!
Thanks, Angie!! So glad you commented on my blog – enjoyed reading your blog =) You are in my google reader now!
congrats on the time and your son is toooooooooo cute!
Thanks so much, Tara!! Hope you (and your daughter) are feeling better!!
Congratulations that is an AWESOME time.. your a stud! Your little man is adorable!!
Thanks, Lisa! I think he’s pretty cute (but I’m a biased mom! LOL)
Your son is so stinkin’ cute!! Congrats on the double sub 6! Watch out!
Thanks, Victoria!! I’m interested to see what my time will be like on the road…maybe this week I’ll head outdoors =) BTW – I love your blog =)
Awwww what a sweet post! He’s so cute and congrats on your TWO PR’S!
Thanks, Janine! It was a great day =) And I think so too (but I’m biased! LOL)
Congrats Michele! I love this post. Maybe you’ll decide to do the Fifth Avenue mile in September too?
Hey Veronika! To be honest, that never even crossed my mind – I will definitely put it on the calendar! Have you done it? Are you doing the Forest Ave mile?
I did do the Fifth Avenue mile last year – it’s a great race. I didn’t train for it though so I’d like to do it again after some speed work. When is the Forest Avenue mile? I don’t have much on the calendar for races this year except a half in DC in March and the Cherry Blossom 10 miler (also in DC) in April.
The Forest Ave is in March – it was the first weekend in Mar last year but I haven’t seen a 2012 date yet! I heard the Cherry Blossom is awesome! I’m trying to do a few more local races this year on SI – so much cheaper and easier to get to then the big races I always find myself signing up for!!
This post made me smile. =)
PS Holy crap about your pace. You go girl!!
Thanks, Heidi! Part of me is wondering if there is something wrong with the treadmill. I seriously have never run this fast before. I’m anxious to do the race in march and see what it’s like to race a mile =) Have you raced a mile before?
LOVE this post, it totally gave me goosebumps. Your son is so adorable, and what a great feeling to not only PR twice in one run, but then be greeted by that sweet happy face.
Life is good when he wakes up happy (which I have to say is 99% of the time). Glad you liked it, girl =)
such a sweet post! He’s so cute, and congrats speedy!
Thanks, Heather =) Really enjoyed your post today!