Running circles

Last night was my pace interval (PI) training. According to my training program, this will help me increase my speed so I can complete my marathon in four hours. According to me, it’s just a modern form of torture.

Here are a couple reasons why I hate PIs:
• I have to run around a track (so boring)
• I have to run around a track a lot (even more boring)

Here’s how it works. My training partner Laura and I run one lap around the track (which equals 400 meters) in a certain time. I usually try to stay between 1:38 (minutes/seconds) and 1:45. Then we walk for one-quarter lap for a quick rest and start the running again.

Last night we were scheduled to run 14 laps, which amounts to 3.5 miles. Now running that distance at a constant, moderate pace would usually be an easy feat for us. But remember, we have to run a little faster and around a track, which again is so boring.

And to top that off, Laura had started early so she could finish a project for her master’s program. By the time I showed up, she only had two more PIs to run. And that meant I had to convince myself to run 12 laps alone.

Running is more a mental challenge than a physical one. A lot of a runner’s effort is used to convince herself/himself that they can keep going. It’s easy to talk yourself out of running and difficult to drowned out that little voice to keep pushing.

I almost make myself a robot when running PIs. I finish a lap, walk for one-quarter lap and the second I get to my next starting point, without even thinking about it, I run and run hard.

So, I just have to do that 14 times while getting eaten by mosquitoes, run over by a boy’s soccer team and weaving in and out of other runners and walkers.

But it’s all worth it when I finish that last lap and stroll around the track listening to Rachael Yamagata on my iPod and gaze at the sunset and Venus in the western sky.