Botched Workout Redemption

2.75 mile w/u
Target: 3x2 miles @11:20, 11:15, 11:10 w/4 mins. jog; 4x400 @82, 81, 80, 79 w/1 min. jog
Actual: 11:20, 11:18, 2k @6:59; 4x400 @79, 81, 79, 78
1.5 mile c/d
Total: 12 miles

I planned to do this workout on the Topsfield bike path after work on Wednesday, but for one reason or another it simply didn't happen. I made it through a whopping 1k, relatively on pace but breathing like I'd just raced a 5k, before bagging it. I was frustrated, disappointed and not exactly filled with confidence about my ability to fare any better 12 hours later, but I had no choice except to try.

Fortunately, come Thursday morning I more or less executed what was planned. It felt hard--harder than it should have, and harder than I would've liked--but nonetheless I was proud of my ability to execute on the heels of a dismal failure the night before. After the second two-mile interval my coach/domestique made the call to maintain the pace but cut the third repeat at 2k, a recommendation with which I was more than happy to comply.

There are days when a workout feels effortless, when the paces come like clockwork and you have to hold back your sprightly legs from running out from under you. Today emphatically was not one of those days, but I welcome the grind and the strength it builds, mentally and physically.