5 Things that Made Me Faster(ish)

You might want to sit down for this.

Okay. Ready?

I ran an 8:09 mile. I know!

How did this happen? There are a number of things, I think, that contributed to this historic and exciting event:

1. I actually tested myself.

I started Jeff Galloway’s marathon training program a few weeks ago (I’m training for Seattle Rock ‘N’ Roll at the end of June). It’s a really long training program that stresses slow running with walk breaks on long runs and only includes two mid-week runs that are just 30 minutes each. This, I believe, is a very manageable training schedule, especially for parents with busy schedules. Go HERE if you’re interested.

Anyway, a few times throughout the course of the program, Galloway has you test your speed with something he calls “magic miles.” Sunday was a “back off” run (in lieu of a long run) and was only 2.5 miles, with one of those being a “magic mile.” I left my music and my phone at home. It was just me, my capris, a light jacket, my favorite hat (that Amanda gave me!) and buckets upon buckets of rain.

I walked for five minutes to warm up (in the pouring rain), then ran a slowish mile trying to keep myself at a 10:30 pace or slower (in the pouring rain). Then, over the same route as my slowish mile, I freakin’ hauled a$$. I went as fast I could manage (in the pouring rain) without throwing up as per Galloway’s instructions. (I was very nauseous afterward, I admit, but not quite to the hurling stage.)

Then, I jogged slowly for another half-mile to cool down (in the pouring rain).

2. Slow running.

I’ve been trying really hard to keep my pace slower so I don’t hurt myself again and to take off some of the self-imposed pressure.

It’s hard not to compare my pace with all of the amazing runners around me, you know? Now (as compared to last spring), when I see the pace inching up on AJII (my Garmin) a little too fast, I’m more apt to back off. This is especially important on long runs, and I have been taking it really slow during those in addition to using the run/walk method that Galloway preaches.

3. Not running.

Less running, more strength and cross training. Giving my shins time to recover between each run and building muscle through lunges, squats, etc.

4. The shuffle step.

This is another Galloway tip. Go HERE to see.

5. Weightloss

I weigh at least 15 pounds less than I did last spring. Getting injured was sort of a blessing in disguise because it got running out of the way and let me focus on losing some pounds.

Have you been getting faster? If yes, why do you think?