Running Progress

I'm a numbers gal - clearly - or I would not be getting a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, right? Anyway, my point is that I like data. I think it's one of the things I really enjoy about triathlon and running. By looking at the data, it is easy to see progress. Everybody likes to see progress, right?

That's why the charts my Carmichael Training Systems coach, Lindsay, make me happy. The other day she sent me a chart showing my average mileage and average pace on the same graph. This told me that as my mileage has been increasing, my pace has been, too. That makes me happy. I'm working hard, and it's paying off. Today she sent me this beauty:

Chart of pace, mileage, and time per run.

I know it's hard to make out, but see the ride line for the last few weeks? That's my average pace per run. Very consistent. Clearly, it's way more consistent than I have been over the past five months. I really think it's due to the great runs that Lindsay has been throwing my way. The speed workout flavor for the past few weeks has been 5 minute tempo intervals. My body is learning the pace, and I'm pushing it. This is helping me get stronger pretty fast! 

I need this training...

Sorry for the long absence. Things have been crazy over here, but then again, I'm thinking that's just my normal. This is a quick one, too, while I'm waiting for a computational model to finish running so I can go home for the day.

I'd say that most people think that marathon training takes an inordinate amount of time. In fact, I was one of those a few years ago (before I got into triathlons - it's all about perspective, people). Today, however, I realized something. I realized that, despite being completely underwater with school and a job search, I actually need the training time. This morning I was going crazy because my model wasn't working and I felt that I could do nothing right. Then, I stepped out the door for my tempo run and something magical happened - I completely forgot about school and my job search frustrations for a whole hour. I just let my mind get totally lost and absorbed in focusing on my run. It was fantastic.

I suppose even on days that I feel I am getting nowhere with my work, I can go for a run and feel like I have accomplished something. It's fantastic to be at a level of fitness where running is an enjoyable escape. I used to think people were crazy for saying that, but now I know.

Keep on running out there...here's to accomplishing something.