Sometimes despite our efforts, things don't go according to plan. My training plan called for a fartlek run of 5 minutes fast (5K pace) followed by 5 minutes recovery run; 4 minutes fast, 4 minute recovery; 3 minutes fast...and so on to one minute. Not an extremely difficult workout but a challenging one.
I use Runkeeper, an app on my phone, to program the workouts. That way the app tells me when to begin the fast intervals and when to begin the recovery intervals. It allows me to focus on the run as opposed to constantly watching the watch.
This morning, things didn't go according to plan. All started well; I completed a good warm up and worked through the first interval (5 minutes fast) at a 6:05 pace. I savored the recovery time and again took off for the 4 minute interval. However, after running almost a full mile (and I am NOT a 4 minute miler) I knew something was wrong.
I had programmed the ap for 4 MILES instead of 4 minutes. I at the app, the stupid humidity, my shoes (which I usually love) and everything else. But I finally had to come to terms with my situation. There was nothing to be gained by being angry. I messed up. I checked the program several times but still missed that one small detail. I could throw my hands in the air and walk away (less effective) or deal with the situation and run through it.
I checked the elapsed time on my watch and began to count down the minutes through the following intervals. It was more of pain than I hoped but I completed the workout.
Running presents many life lessons. When things don't go as planned, you can walk away or deal with what you have. Learning to deal with the situation and make the most of it is an integral part of chasing unicorns.
While I don't have the individual split times, I covered 4.87 miles:
1...10:47 (Warm up)
2...7:06
3. ..6:57
4...8.28
...9:21 (cool down)
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