Midnight Hill Intervals: 6 Sets by 1 K @ 4:25

Jan. 18, 2021

Warm Up 3 K :17:56.11

Rest: 29.87

1st fast run: 4:14.52

Rest: 1:00.33

2nd fast run: 4:22.79

Rest: 1:00.38

3rd fast run: 4:20.95

Rest: 1:00.30

4th fast run: 4:34.52

Rest: 1:00.43

1 K jog: 6:53.82

Rest: 20.51

5th fast run: 4:31.38

Rest: 1:00.36

6th fast run: 4:26.26

Rest: 1:00.55

3 K jog: 19:21.19

bonus fast run: 4:25.62

Total 13 K: 1:21.59

I started off, determined to run all  6 sets under the target of 4:25/K. But I ran out of gas in the middle of the 4th.

I said to myself, "Let's call it a day. After all, I did some massive body weight muscle training last night, which involved lots of leg work. The legs are still a bit sore from it. I just need to give them a little longer rest."

But then while jogging back the shuttle course toward home, I could feel the legs' batteries were getting recharged. I thought I could go for another fast run. So, as soon as I got to the other end of the 1 K shuttle course, I gave myself a brief rest to concentrate, and then off I went for the 5th fast run.

The didn't improve as much as I had hoped it would. My heart sank. I had to deal with the shitty feeling associated with the poor performance. So, I decided to go for another fast run, saying to myself, "Even if the time sucks, I can be proud of myself for doing 6 sets in total."

So saying, I set off for the 6th set after a minute break. The time improved slightly, but it was still slower than the target. At this point, I decided that I shouldn't push any further. 

I jogged the hilly shuttle course to cover 2 K, and another K on a relatively flat road. While jogging those 3 Ks, I was able to recharge my legs with enough energy to go for a fast run, so, instead of jogging all the way back home, I surged in the last one kilometer as sort of a bonus fast run. 

I didn't feel very strong while doing the intervals. But that feeling is exactly what I have to deal with to become a stronger version of myself. Had it been pleasant, it means there is no challenge to it. If there is no challenge, there is no gain. I'm here for gain. I must face that shitty feeling head on.

Tomorrow night I am planning to jog for an hour. Midnight lows are expected to reach -3 degrees Celsius, not an ideal condition for a relaxing barefoot jog. I'll put minimalist shoes on to protect my feet from frostbite.