Speedy Speederson

I feel like I have been missing out on a HUGE aspect of being a runner:  SPEEDWORK!

I've been studying up on workouts, learning how to use my awesome Garmin, have a few track workouts under my belt now, and I can officially say that I AM HOOKED!

I have been way under-utilizing my Garmin for a year now.  Turns out, I can program it to a certain distance and rest time, and it alerts me when to start and stop and records each interval.  It's freaking brilliant!

This morning, I set it at 1/4 mile, which is one lap around the track, with a 1-minute recovery time.  Eight times, for a total of 2 miles of really fast running (for me).  Ashley came with me, and I'm so glad she was there, because I was ready to be done by lap #3!  Those 60 seconds of recovery went by SO quickly, and I hated that dang beeping noise that told me I had 5 seconds left before I had to take off again.  But we did it!  Eight laps of running at an extremely uncomfortable pace.  Soooo good for my body!  I cannot wait to start seeing how this affects my regular running.  Saturday mornings are my favorite now.  And the very best part?  My watch plays a little victory song at the end of the whole workout.  Makes me laugh and do a little dance.

There are a gazillion track workout possibilities.  I think it's going to take some time for me to figure out which ones work best for me.  But I'm so glad I'm finally doing them.  Just in time for Winter, right?

We have a fabulous trip planned to California this weekend.  Can't wait!