I really think I have turned a corner in my workout sessions. For the last few months, I have been increasing my running distance slowly but surely. Over the weekend, I ran back to back days and I don’t feel sore at all. For the first time since my college days, I am feeling great running again. I am also looking forward to the next running workout on Thursday.
The only disappointing part of this whole workout routine is how long it is taking me to run distance. I am still running 11-12 minute miles which is not where I really want to be long term. Back in my high school days, I was running 3 miles under 19 minutes in cross country. I know I am older today, but I just feel that I should be able to run faster than 33 minutes.
My first official race is The Irish Jig which is on March 17th. That leaves me with a little more than 3 weeks to pick my speed up a bit. Speed shouldn’t really be my priority with the Tough Mudder coming up in April.
Which reminds me, I got my gear for the Tough Mudder on Friday. My coldgear tactical pants and shirt are now in my possession. The gloves are very interesting, but I am going to try them out before I decide if I am going to use them or not. They are a clingy plastic on the grips that would be great if you are catching a football, but I don’t think they are going to grip a rope very well. I guess we will see how they test out.
Along with all the working out I am doing, my classes continue to go well. I am on the tail end of my current class, and I will have 3 to go after this one. Hockey treats me well too, but I am not as fast as I used to be. The higher leagues are much tougher on me, and playing at that level is not in my long term future. I know my teams want me to keep playing with them, but the sad part is that I am not the difference maker that I used to be about 7-8 years ago.
The extra workouts have really helped my overall fitness level though, which will help me while playing goal in the end.