Sunday 5/31/15 - 4 x 1600m

Very interesting day for a track workout as it was 60 degrees with the occasional ABSOLUTE DOWNPOUR. When I started my warm up at 3:30, the rain was really coming down hard, and there were flash flood warnings all around Boston. As I jogged over to the Charlestown track, I was livid with myself for messing things up on Friday and not being able to run on Saturday when it was bright and sunny. I was certain that this workout was destined to be awful, and my ipod dying after 2 miles didn't help matters. I got to the track and found about an inch of water covering turn 2.. at least I had the track to myself? I tossed my keys and ipod under the bleachers, did some strides, and got right into the workout.

I was up in the air about what to do for a workout this week. With Market Square Day 10K only 2 weeks away, I wanted to add some volume to this workout, so I opted for a 10K variation of my previous 5K workouts. I was also unsure if I should go with 1200s or 1600s at 5:00 or 5:10. I decided on 1600s because 1200s felt like the easy option, and for pace, I went with 5:10 as it is my current goal pace for 10K.

The rain let up a bit after the first 1600, and the workout went surprisingly well. I felt comfortable at 5:10, and the 800 meter rest at 6:00 pace actually felt like a rest. Splits below. I added a 400 at the end to make the workout a full 10K.

1600,800,1600,800,1600,800,1600,800,400

1600s: 5:10, 5:08, 5:10, 5:08
800s: 2:58, 2;54, 2:57, 2:57
400: 70
Total for 10K: 33:31

Overall, I felt really good about this workout. My only issue was whether or not it was too easy. I felt relaxed and in control for the 1600s, but in retrospect, the 800 meter rest seemed like it may have been too long. 600 meters may have been a better option. I decided to go with 800 meters because 400 meters at 6:00 pace had been very difficult during the 4 x 800 meter workout that I did 2 weeks ago. Surprisingly, I think the conditions were actually a factor in making the workout easier today. Although 60 degrees and raining isn't pleasant, it is probably more suitable for a workout than 80 degrees with the sun beating down. 11.5 miles on the day.