Noise
I’m not one to follow a training plan, what with my inherent aversion to authority (even if it comes from myself!). Yet, despite more or less winging it on the training plan side of things, it seems I’m doing something right.
I’ve stepped up (kind of half) a group at RunDemCrew and now run with the Cheetah/Elites. On Tuesday we averaged 4.36min/km over 11km. We did stop to gather the group now and again, but still, that’s fast! It feels totally right, but it’s weird to think that I have improved my speed so much. I guess those solitary Saturday morning 5kms followed by hills are paying off. Or maybe it’s the long hilly runs? Whatever it is, it’s working. And, you know, I could definitely feel the pain of running with the faster crew but it’s a different burn, this fast burn.
I remember all too well the pushing through when returning to running after a while off, heavy, leaden legs dragging you into the ground, breathing laboured. This is different. It’s a steady burn in the muscles, breathing working hard to bring in enough oxygen, deep, but the body is working and working well. Pushing, holding steady, knowing that it’s all in my mind now. The muscles complaining is noise. Focus on the dark, crisp blue, the lit bridges ahead.
