About Me

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Austin, Texas, United States
I'll make you laugh, or break my neck trying. This is usually accomplished with daily bouts of swimming, biking and running. A former "chub-a-holic," I got fit and healthy the good old fashioned way and went from a mid-pack athlete to top age group runner and triathlete. I'm a Writer and USAT Level 1 Certified Triathlon Coach. I guess that makes me part Tina Fey and part Jillian Michaels. Visit my coaching site at www.fomotraining.com

Monday, August 18, 2008

Runner Chick Fantasy World

I had a dream a few days ago...

It was dark and I was next to a bunch of sweaty guys wearing nothing but running shorts.
Everyone looked so toned and cut and their body fat total probably equaled the BMI of my thigh. We started running side by side and our breath and cadence was in unison. I stayed in the middle of this pack of these specimens, which meant that every now and then, a bead (or stream) of their sweat would land on me. I was too focused to wipe it away because I wanted to stay with them. They were encouraging me...I was pushing them...Most of them weren't wearing shirts at this point. I was...The energy was electric.

And then, just like that, I woke up and realized that this wasn't a dream. I was doing 800m repeats on the track with six dudes at my Gazelle workout last Wednesday. Yep, that's right. Me and six incredibly fit/runner body dudes. I can't believe Gilbert put me with the likes of these streakers. I protested at first, but how much can a girl resist, really?! He just gave me that sweet Gilbert look that said in the most Christian way, "Quit bitchin' and start runnin'. "

And so it was... 8 x 800s, with a 2min rest in between

#1 3:16 (6:32 pace and that's supposed to be the slow one)
#2 3:13 (6:26)
#3 3:12 (6:24)
#4 3:09 (6:18)
#5 3:11 (6:22)
#6 3:12 (6:24)
#7 3:13 (6:26)
#8 2:59!! (5:58)!

I absolutely hit a new plateau with these repeats. Bear in mind, my marathon goal is a 3:20, which means I should be able to do 10 x 800s in 3:20. I was tired, but I know I had two more in me that day. Plus, being the only chick in that sub-group, I wasn't about to quit!

Afterwards, I thanked Coach for putting me there. Yeah, I ran fast, but it was also fun to push myself to a new level...even if it wasn't a dream!

15 comments:

erin said...

holy $&*#! those are my 400 splits - on a good day! WHEW!

21stCenturyMom said...

My new pet peeve is that everyone screws up how you are really supposed to do Yasso 800s so let me just say this. When you can do 10 repeats of an 800 in 3:20 with 3:20 recovery pace in between you are golden for that 3:20 marathon. The expectation is that you add a repeat each week, not that you can do that right off the bat.

Looking at your splits from yesterday's dreamy run I'd say you might be good for 3:15. Woot!

ShirleyPerly said...

OMG, Way to go, Carrie!! That is a great 3:20 marathon confidence builder. And to run with the studs -- AWESOME!!!

Viv said...

So impressive Carrie. I can't help but to be so amazed and like with out sound condesending or anything like that proud of you! I was all feeling like a non athelte after reading some peoples reports and they were all upset with times that would make me feel elated. I was like why bother. Well Carrie, you prove to me with those brutal repeats on to keep at it. Great job out there with the streakers...LOL! Thanks

Anonymous said...

Crikey, what a blast!!! Well done you.....

Garry said...

Excuse me Miss, pee in the bottle! Wow that is a kick ass workout! You are going to really be ready for your race.

Colleen Renee' Wilson said...

seriously....lady crush coming your way. you are super fit,super fast...and I am glad I know you! London 2012!!!

greyhound said...

Running with lean sweaty men.

Nope. Doesn't do it for me. Go figure.

Runner Susan said...

um. wow. i bow down to your greatness.

Michelle said...

You go girl! That is awesome. Now send up north some of those studly men!

Jane said...

just a question: (not related to this post, but I concur with holy shit! you're fast!)

Can you swim in Barton Springs without a wetsuit? is it too cold?

Dori said...

Good job on those repeats! I did 3x800 today--guess I have a ways to go. Wish I had hunky dudes to be my rabbit. :-)

Steve Stenzel said...

That's MY dream too!

Nice splits!!

:) said...

DAAAAANG!

triguyjt said...

i will say it again, carrie...you are my hero.....

way to hang with the cheetahs...

nice dream sequence....