Interval Run: Round 1

In an effort to work on my speed (Ha!) or really more, lack there of, I have committed to add some speed workouts to my training this year.  I would really love to get a bit faster, so that training for a marathon doesn't take me away from my family for as long.

A couple of weeks back, I attempted my first tempo run.  Today, was my first attempt at an interval run.  Originally, I had 3 miles scheduled for the day, however after not running for 5 days last week.  I thought my body could handle 4 miles easily. 

So we (Thing 2, Thing 3 and I) set off.  The was plan was to run two miles out and two miles back to the park where we were meeting some friends to play.  Since this was my first interval run, where I was going to run the whole time (not run/walk), I had planned 30 seconds of sprinting and 2 minutes at my usual pace.  I didn't have any real pace goals in time for the sprinting, I just wanted to go faster than my usual pace.  I wanted to see what I could do considering this was my first time.


The Usually Happy Thing 3

 Thing 2, who usually is super unhappy in the stroller was quiet content once he let me fix his blanket so he would not be cold.  Thing 3, however, was a totally different story.  He usually goes to sleep in the stroller.  However, during my first mile, I had to during every 2 minute split to try and get him to stop crying.  He wasn't having any of it today. 

I had given up on trying to get 4 miles in.  I was going to do 3 even if Thing 3 screamed the whole time.  So at 1.5 miles I turned the stroller around and stopped to take off my long sleeve shirt.  For some reason, I had the idea to give Thing 3 my shirt.  I thought that maybe my smelly shirt would calm him down.  And sure enough it did.  As soon as I started going again, he fell asleep, finally. 

At this point, I did contemplate completing 4 miles, but because of all of the stopping during my first mile we were already late to meet our friends at the park.  However, I did completely enjoy the 1.5 miles back to the park.

During my 30 second sprints, if you can call them that pushing a stroller, my average pace was under 9 minute miles.  During the 2 minutes at my usual pace I was right around 11 minute miles, which is perfect considering I am pushing the boys.  I also know that I can pick up my pace during my sprints. 

I am really happy with how this first interval run turned out considering my one little obstacle (Thing 3).  I am going to lengthen the amount of time that I sprint and shorten the time at my usual pace.  I am really excited about my next interval run.

This Mommy Runs