I knew after my second interval that eight would not be in the cards, so I mentally trimmed the workout to six repeats instead. Too used to 800-meter intervals, I had trouble pacing myself for these 400s at a goal pace of 6:55-7:20 per mile (1:43-1:49 per 400 meters). After my fourth repeat, my 400-meter self caught up to my 800-meter self, handed him his ass and walked off the track.
Here is the statistical rundown:
- Intervals:
864 x 400 meters - Goal pace: 6:55-7:20 per mile
- Lap 1: 1:30.77 (6:02 per mile) FAIL
- Lap 2: 1:39.56 (6:38 per mile) FAIL
- Lap 3: 1:44.29 (6:58 per mile)
- Lap 4: 1:42.59 (6:50 per mile) FAIL
- Average pace: 6:38 per mile
- Total distance: 3.7 miles
The good news, which will disappoint many of you, is that I remain uninjured. Yeah, I know. I'm sorry to spoil your fun. Maybe I'll try again this weekend.
12 comments:
my 400-meter self caught up to my 800-meter self, handed him his ass and walked off the track.This is my favorite line ever from your blog. Thanks.
Correct me if I am wrong, but how does a 400 split of 1:39.77 work out to 6:02/mile pace while a faster 1:39.56 works out to 6:38/mile? Am I missing something?
Oops! Because I didn't tell you how fast I really ran that interval. Corrected.
@ Vava: Ohioians measure 400 meters differently each time. Don't question it.
Far be it for me to console you but I hardly think 400 repeats below your planned pace it a fail. In fact, I would descibe it as a "good start". Maybe start at 4-5 400 repeats and build from there maintaining a sub 1:40 pace??
THis is why I don't do speed workouts. Too much thinkin'.
Again, so much math! Clearly, the reason I'm not fast is that I suck at math, so really, it's a mental deficiency, not a physical one.
I figured you were perhaps still lightheaded from that smokin' fast interval!
actually, you did quite well and should do great on your race Monday. But next time, don't let your 400 meter self push you around so much!
I agree with Jess...that's a lot of math! This must be why I suck at intervals.
When I do 400s I start them at my 800 pace and then try to get faster over the final 200m. If I don't start them slow I find myself doing just what you did, going out too fast and then lopping off a few laps at the end.
I did 6 x 400s last night but not nearly as fast as yours. Good job.
Agree totally with Nitmos - faster then planned is no failure! And 400 meter intervals should be faster paced then 800 meter ones.
Go for it during the 5K - I'm rooting for you.
Hey, that's a good pace, though. I would find it hard to be too disappointed about that...
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