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Speedwork and Shadows

I really couldn't have asked for a better run this morning. It was a speedwork day, and I was dreading the thought of tackling 1000 meter repeats . A thousand just SEEMS like a huge amount, doesn't it? .62 miles seems way more manageable. Anyway, somehow I ended up a happy camper afterwards!


To start with, let's address the weather. I slept in, ate breakfast, and then planned on running at 8. I know, I know--too late in the summer. But the conditions were PERFECT. Check it out:


Yes, I still live in Georgia, and yes, it's still August. But read that: 62 DEGREES. Heaven! 
The plan was to tackle 5x1000 meter repeats at 4:59, as per my Run Less Run Faster Plan. After a 1.5 mile warm-up, here were the results:

4:52
4:56
4:59
4:59
4:59

Did I have to haul my butt the last few intervals to make my splits? You bet I did. I honestly don't believe I could have made it a second faster. But it felt so good to push that hard, and I was so relieved to be done. Even my shadow was giving a thumbs up:


In case you were wondering, I'm still doing my outdoor runs on trails. I pick the flattest parts I can do sprints, but it's still tough. Also, it's pretty gross. Here is what my legs looked like after 5.5 miles total:


I don't want to think too much about what those specs are all over me. Seeds? Dirt? Bugs? Who knows. 

What are your ideal running conditions?
I would say low humidity, 55 degrees, sunny, and a light breeze. Wow--I'm really picky! But I know what I like!

Did anyone else have some cooler temps the last day or two, or am I just really lucky?
I can only hope you've all been as lucky as I have! It still tops 90 in the afternoon, and of course I can't shake the humidity, but 62 degrees is pretty near perfect to me!
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Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 16, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I guess I need different shoes when I run on the trail around our apartment. I always feel like I'm slipping while running.

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  2. MarleneAugust 16, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Awesome job nailing the speed work - it must be harder running fast on trails!

    Ideal for me would be 50 and sunny or 60 and overcast - HOLD the humidity and wind (light breeze is okay).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Running RicigAugust 16, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    It's glorious here today. It's been rainy lately, but today it's cool and sunny. I can't wait to get outside!

    Nice job on your speed work! Especially on trails :)

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  4. savoryandsavageAugust 16, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Grats on your speedwork!

    My favorite running conditions are pretty the same as yours mid-50's with a nice cool breeze.

    It has been hot here - enjoy the nice cool weather you are having!

    ReplyDelete
  5. JuliaAugust 16, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    JEALOUS of the weather! wow! and I seriously love that you do all your runs on trails. simply amazing and I know it has got to be making you SO strong! impressive with the speed work on trails as well! good work! oh...and kinda glad you posted what 1000m was. guess i could have googled it but now I know :)

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  6. Stefanie D.August 16, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    Great job on your speedwork! Amazing! Ok, so I have to admit when I saw the first picture of your legs, I thought it was hair. :) :)

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  7. ImTheMarigoldAugust 16, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    Great workout! I tanked my speedwork this morning. TANKED. Better luck next time, right? And what great weather too!

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  8. Paulie BAugust 16, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    I love run less, run faster. Even for people who believe in high mileage that book is worth it for all the tables. Weather has been nice, must be a North America thing. Those are some consistent repeats.

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  9. misszippyAugust 16, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    The great weather just hit us here in MD today. It's almost fall like, which is perfect running weather! Glad you knocked off some awesome splits!

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  10. UnknownAugust 16, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    What an awesome run! SO impressive that you did on trails! That is definitely tougher! Way to go!

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  11. UnknownAugust 16, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    way to conquer that speed workout, and on trails to boot! You rock, seriously!

    It has been cooler here this week too, but work got in the way of workouts and miles today...boo!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lisa@The Daily RUNdownAugust 16, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    Awesome job on the speedwork, on trails nonetheless!
    I was going to do speed work today, but I didn't I seem to skip it every week.
    I think my perfect weather is 50's sunny with very light wind, nice and crisp.

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousAugust 16, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    love the shadow picture :) that weather sounds amazing, i love when it's in the 60's

    you are so awesome, your splits were spot on! i can't believe you are doing speedwork on trails, be careful!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousAugust 16, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    loveee 60 degree weather it is AMAZING for runs!
    and GIRL you OWNED your speed workout!
    like you are AMAZING!!!
    i cant wait till my injuries are healed and i can run againn!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. JessicaAugust 16, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Great job! We have had some pleasent weather too! But I think it's going to get HOT again!

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  16. Monika @ Monika's MilesAugust 16, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    How lucky to get such perfect running conditions at 8am!! I'd really like to try doing speedwork again but I'm afraid to do it and over do it. PS - I love that you said your shadow was even giving a thumbs up, I definitely laughed out loud.

    ReplyDelete
  17. ATTrioAugust 16, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Nice, I like it to be around 50. I like cool crisp air. Those 1000's were awesome! I did the 3x1600's today per my RLRF plan and it was mentally exhausting. Why does a mile repeat seem harder then a marathon.....

    nice job. -Jen

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  18. GracieAugust 16, 2011 at 5:58 PM

    I am so jealous of your weather! It was 80 here a few mornings ago and I thought I'd died and gone to heaven it was "so cool".

    ReplyDelete
  19. StephanieAugust 16, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    Great job on speedwork! We have had some cool mornings lately and it's been fabulous!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. AngieAugust 16, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Great job nailing the speedwork! Sounds like it was the perfect morning for it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Britt @ Chicago Runner GirlAugust 16, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    The weather has been playing nice around Chicago lately as well. It makes me sad because I know summer is coming to a close:( Nice repeats lady!

    ReplyDelete
  22. LisaAugust 16, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    I had to say that a few posts (many several) ago, you said you were stuck in a posing rut for your self portraits for your blog . . . .gotta say I love the thumbs up shadow - very creative!!!!

    I'm a BIG fan of 60 and low humidity!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. LisasFitLifeAugust 16, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    Good job on the speed work. I thought the picture of your legs, I thought it was hair at first and was like "does she shave her legs" then I realize it was just sand or dirt on them. Lol

    ReplyDelete
  24. Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's BlogAugust 16, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Nice job with the splits, 1000 meters does seem like a long way but .62 miles doesn't seem to bad. i like it about 50 when I run and a little sun a little cloud cover, little humidity

    ReplyDelete
  25. CarolineAugust 16, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    1000 are hard! good job!
    for me: NO SUN, 55-60, no wind and no rain.

    and here still burning...94 this morning for my 5 miles...yikes...I am over it!

    ReplyDelete
  26. JAugust 16, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    Awesome job on the 1000s! I did those tonight and they are tough! 62 degree! That is the best morning run weather! It has been such an interesting august for weather - wonder what fall will be like!

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnonymousAugust 16, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Good job! We are having cooler weather here in the Carolinas too! Tonight I went for a run at 7:45pm and it felt great! My perfect running weather is 50-60 weather and cloudy or mid-sunny with a little breeze too!

    ReplyDelete
  28. That Pink GirlAugust 16, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Way to bust out the speed work! My ideal running conditions rarely happen here but 40 degrees and overcast. Long sleeves, shorts, maybe some light rain. Ahhhh...

    ReplyDelete
  29. kristenAugust 16, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Way to nail the intervals!

    My ideal running weather is cool, partly cloudy, and NO humidity. Warm enough to wear shorts and short sleeves, but cool enough so that unless I'm running, I'd be way too cold in that.

    It has been a bit cooler around here for the last few days, it has been quite the relief!

    ReplyDelete
  30. CaitlinAugust 17, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    way to go on the repeats!!

    ideal for me is cooler, and i actually like it if there is a light mist. the heat kiiills me. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Christina @ The AthletarianAugust 17, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    Nice run!!! I am picky to and have just about the exact same preferences as you! You are lucky to have good running weather. It has been so hot here and all of my runs have been indoors lately!

    ReplyDelete
  32. JoannaAugust 17, 2011 at 12:30 AM

    You are definitely lucky. We've had another heat wave here in So Cali. I haven't been able to run at all :(

    My perfect running weather would have to be in the 60s and cloudy. I love the cool breeze when you're on a hard run!

    ReplyDelete
  33. KarenAugust 17, 2011 at 1:23 AM

    .62 mile repeats at 62 degrees? Sounds like fate handed you a pretty great running day.

    ReplyDelete
  34. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 at 3:13 AM

    I'm jealous of the cool temps! Hawaii is awesome for a lot of things, but the heat and humidity have made for some rough runs.

    That's so fun that you used to live here, by the way! What brought you to Kona?

    ReplyDelete
  35. PamAugust 17, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    I'm loving this little fall teaser we're getting here in the south right now! 60's are my absolute favorite running temps.

    I can't believe you're doing your speedwork on trails. You're a brave girl!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. ChristinaAugust 17, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    I agree with your ideal running conditions. I couldn't have said it better myself!

    It's been hot still here, even in the mornings. I started sweating walking out of the house at 4:30 this morning lol. I have a love/hate relationship with summer.

    ReplyDelete
  37. MarissaAugust 17, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    you are just REALLY lucky with those temps...AMAZING! Whew, you must have been working hard to get legs that look like that! Ha! Great work :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. AnonymousAugust 17, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    It's cooled off here too! Finally!! I was supposed to do speedwork yesterday morning, but I went way earlier than I was used to so I gave myself a break :-) Next week!

    ReplyDelete
  39. A Fine BalanceAugust 17, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    I am not a runner by any stretch of the imagination so therefore I choose to keep my cardio indoors. I know I suck but at least I get in a mad spin class! :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Rachelle WardleAugust 17, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Nice job Vanessa I am so proud of you!!! The weather in UT has been perfect for running this week. When I started this morning at 5:45 it was 59 degrees. Perfect! I am so so dreading winter.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Randee and AngieAugust 17, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Great job! That temp is amazing! Way to rock your run!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Jess A @cajunrunnerjessAugust 17, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    Cleaning off after getting that dirty is the best part!
    I was begging for overcast or days when it would drizzle. It is so hot here!

    ReplyDelete

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