The first week of my speed phase felt like a roller coaster. Monday was a typical rest day, just some walking. Tuesday was an easy 10-minute run to get me ready for the tempo run on Wednesday. I was both excited and nervous. While driving to my running route, I was psyching myself up. Halfway there, I realized I had forgotten my running shoes and had to turn back.

When I arrived after getting my shoes, I did a quick warm-up and started the tempo run. However, I struggled with my watch, trying to find the current pace to display. I wanted to keep track of my pace as I transitioned through each phase of the tempo run. By the time I figured out the display I had to shift from the easy pace to race pace. I forgot how tough that first tempo run can be—but I remembered it immediately once I started! My body was used to an easy pace. It was now trying to adjust to the faster speed. I watched my pace jump all over the place. Long story short, I totally butchered that run lol.

For the next tempo run, my goal is to smoothly transition from my easy pace to race pace. I aim to hold that steady for the entire tempo run. Once I feel more in control, I’ll work on throwing in my 1-mile and half-mile paces into it.

Thursday’s recovery run was rough—my legs felt like they weighed a ton! However, since I had pushed my body during the tempo run, it now wanted to move faster. I had to remind myself to slow down and recover properly between workouts.

On Friday, I headed to the track for my first track workout. I was nervous after my tempo flop. I was not sure if my body could hit the speeds I needed for my 7 x 100-meter repeats. Plus, I was not feeling 100%—I was coming down with something. But after my warm-up, I timed the first 100 meters and, to my surprise, I hit my goal time! That gave me the confidence to keep going, and I finished each 100-meter repeat at or below my target pace. By the end, though, I could feel that my form was not as smooth or consistent. That’s the fun part about this process. It’s teaching my body to run fast again. This is why my cycle phase usually lasts three months or more.

I’m happy I was able to hit my paces for the track workout. My challenge will be building the endurance to hold that speed. This is especially true after struggling with the tempo run. Still, I’m optimistic because it shows me where I need to improve. Once I do, I’ll be ready to step up to the starting line for my first 5K. I am aiming for the aggressive goal I have set.

Saturday was a walking day, and Sunday, wow—my legs were even heavier than on Thursday! But after about 10 minutes, my body loosened up and started moving quicker, which made me pretty happy. My heart rate was high. This is likely because I’m still not feeling 100%. I have been dealing with a stuffy nose.

This week, my focus is on getting enough sleep. Today’s a rest day, and tomorrow is an easy 10-minute run to prep for my next tempo run. Hopefully, I’ll be feeling 100% for it. If not, I might run into some issues. Either way, I’m committed to pushing my body and getting it ready for the 5K.

I have to admit though, it feels great to be doing speed workouts again. It’s strange—your body goes through some pain, but at the same time, you kind of enjoy it. Weird, I know. Anyways let’s see how week two goes in the cycle phase!

Happy Running!