Running in Okinawa

I haven’t felt so tired since I ran Naha Marathon in 2006.  The pain in my legs was intensely drawn out from today’s point workout.  It was introduced to me by Hase who got it from his coach in Osaka who is also coaching one of Japan’s finest distance runners, Ogata Tsuyoshi.  Although I can’t disclose exactly what the workout was for obvious reasons, I met Ogata at last year’s World Championships in Osaka.  He does this exact workout, quite a bit faster than I do, of course, but it was a killer.  Between kilometers five and ten my legs were toast!  I anticipate doing a few more of these type workouts before I race Naha Marathon in December.

17.5 miles for the day, and what a day it was!

Slowly, but surely I’ve built up my base mileage and endurance to be able to run what I ran today.  My last week was the first week I’ve been able to do “total training” for a long time.  I ran 70 miles total which included two quality workouts:  1) 12000 meters at 4min/1k pace.  2) 12000 meters at 3:50/1k pace.  I’m building up for a December marathon.

Today’s workout couldn’t have gone better because I followed the plan.  I ran the first 8k at 4min/1k pace, and the last 8k at 3:35/1k pace to average 3:45 1k pace for 16k.

I started feeling worn down, exhausted around 9-10k, grabbed a power gel, and was rejouvinated and determined to finish the workout.  My family has been supporting me a great deal lately, and I couldn’t bare to have a failed workout.  Overall, I’m proud of what I did.  Another big deposit in my quest to be in shape for Naha.