Me (Only Faster)

I'm always a bit nervous before a scheduled track workout. I worry about not being able to handle it, to hit the pace targets. In the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter if I bonk or crush a workout. That's what I tell myself as I lace up my shoes and start running. I also remind myself that progress not perfection is what's important.

Thursday morning I ran a workout that my training plan calls Yasso Halves. It's 3 x 400 meters and then 3 x 800 meters. The purpose is to start with a few 800s and build to more later in training. It's a mini-version (or taste) of Yasso 800s.

It turns out I've done this same workout. Makes sense because I used this same training plan in the past. I knew I was speedy (for me) today but comparing my stats from  1 1/2 years ago you can note my progress.

I'm not running more than I did last year~I was running 50+ miles/week back then. In fact, I'm still building up my mileage from taking a break due to injury. I owe my progress to all the "extras" I'm doing: strength training, plyos (including box jumps), core work, physical therapy. 

I'm going to continue my work on improving my recovery/reset activities. I'm on Day 7 of the #jasyogajuly Yoga Where You Go Challenge. I'm also focusing on nutrition, particularly my carbohydrate intake. This comes from reading The New Rules of Marathon and Half-Marathon Nutrition. Based on my activity level and weight, my daily carb goal is 290 grams to 350 grams. I'm finding it tough to hit the low number. I think I *maybe* hit it once in the previous 7 days. I eat approximately 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day.

What do you do to make sure you are eating enough carbs?
What extras or non-running activities do you do to help your running?