Hi friends! I was up with the sun this morning to meet up with my track group. It was cold (in the low 30’s) but very clear – the sun was just starting to rise when we met. Perfect running weather, if you ask me!
This morning was the first time in at least a month that I really pushed it on pace at the track. Now that I’m training officially again (more details about what I’m training for in yesterday’s post, if you missed it), I’m ready to kick things back up a notch, and it felt good to really challenge myself! It helps that my track buddies are also back to being speedy again, too – a bunch of them did the Philadelphia Marathon a couple weeks ago and were tapering before then recuperating after for a little while. So now I have people to chase again!
Here’s what the coaches had us do today – a ladder workout:
- Warm up jog (I did a half mile – 2 laps)
- 400m (1 lap)
- Rest/jog 1 minute
- 800m (2 laps)
- Rest/jog 1 minute
- 1200m (3 laps)
- Rest/jog 1 minute
- 1200m (3 laps)
- Rest/jog 1 minute
- 800m (2 laps)
- Rest/jog 1 minute
- 400m (1 lap)
- Cool down (I did a half mile again)
Whew!! It was a TOUGH one. I really pushed it on pace the whole time and was averaging between 1:35 and 1:50 minutes per lap. When I finished, my Garmin 225 was quite impressed with me. 😉 Love how it gives you little awards/records!
Thanks, Garmin! Here’s my overall distance/pace for the workout. This includes my half mile warm up but does not include my half mile cool down.
In honor of this great cold running weather, I’ve got a fun stocking stuffer giveaway for you guys from my friends at Brooks! They recently sent me two items to test out as part of my Run Happy Blogger Ambassadorship, both of which I rocked this morning at the track. First up: the Greenlight Headband.
As you guys know, I much prefer ear warmer headbands to hats in winter, unless it’s actively snowing. That way, my ears stay warm but my head isn’t hot (and my hair isn’t awkward/smushed). I love the other Brooks ear warmers I have and this one is no exception! It comes in black, the purple pattern you see above (reversible with solid purple on the other side), and a reversible neon yellow/green with a pattern on one side and solid on the other. It has front and back reflectivity and features DriLayer moisture-wicking fabric. Very soft and cozy, too, and stayed put nicely.
They also sent me a pair of the Greenlight Gloves, which are a great basic pair of running gloves that I have a feeling I’ll be wearing ALL the time. They are also made from moisture-wicking fabric and have reflective detail. Love the tech thumb and index finger so you can use your smartphone through them if you need to. And see that little pocket on the palm? You can put a key or fuel in there!
Here’s a dark shot of both items with flash so you can see the reflective detail:
And now – want to win the Greenlight Gloves and Greenlight Headband to help you (or a friend/family member) run happy this winter, too? Brooks will send one fANNEtastic reader a set in the color/size of their choice. Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck and happy running!
p.s. Have a holiday race on the docket this month? Consider these adorable Brooks holiday socks. 🙂
p.p.s. Please note that there are affiliate links in this post. Thanks for your support!
