Machine

Thirty miles on the track this morning in 5:10, with a 400 meter walk after every 8 laps. I ran in lane 2, mostly, except I had to switch to lane 4 for about an hour while the sprinters and hurdlers from the CSU track team worked out. They usually aren't out that early but it was so hot yesterday and warm again today, I wonder if they held their workout earlier on purpose.

I arrived at the track at 6:30 and this huge colorful cloud was hanging out. It was cool, I started in shorts but had my jacket on until nearly 9:00. I parked my stuff on the bleachers including a cooler full of drinks and ice water, and got going.

I wasn't sure how I'd feel since it's only been 10 days since my race and I did 20 miles yesterday. But the pace was easy and I felt stronger throughout the run and gradually picked it up all the way through the end. We're talking 9 minute pace at the fastest, by the end, but I felt so strong. I felt like a machine. I wasn't tired after the workout either and was able to get some work done this afternoon.

As the sun came up a few people came out to the track. Then the hammer and discus throwers were out there, practicing. There was this one hammer thrower who was amazing. At least it looked like that to me. He heaved that thing way across the field and it looked like it was headed to Loveland, before it came down with a "thud". Maybe that was what caused the earthquake in California.

It was pretty quiet until 10:30 or so, when the rest of the track team suddenly showed up. It wasn't too bad even with all the athletes because they were using certain lanes and I just moved over during the time when they had their actual workout. Most of the time they were warming up. I'm sure they were wondering what this crazy gray haired runner was doing, I was there when they arrived and I was still running when they left.

I took some S caps in my drinks, and ate a few gels and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I felt like I could have stayed out there for 24 hours. I was glad for the warmth, since Iowa is likely to be warm in early May. The rest of the week I plan to get another 50 miles in to total 100, and I'll do speedwork Friday with Wheaties Boy and the Horsetooth Half Marathon Sunday rain, snow, sleet, hail, or blazing sun.

I can't wait for race day in Iowa. I feel so ready to go. Three and a half weeks!