Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Fartlek. Don't you just love that word?


Or maybe this was a brick.
First, Tyler my son, and I went to our Japanese Swordsmenship class.
It was just our teacher (sensei), his assistant and the two of us.
We got lots of attention. After two hours of that, I got home jumped into my running gear and headed out. The block my home is on is 1/3 of a mile around. My plan was to alternate fast and slow laps around the block. The first one was slow at a 10:46 pace. Then I picked up the pace for the second 1/3 of a mile. The pace was 9:37. Then a slow one at 11:06. Then they started getting slower and slower. It wore me out, but it was a good run overall.
Environment Tip: Plastics are filling are landfills and I figure I need to do my part to decrease my use of plastics. So, I try not to use the plastic bags. I carry my purchases or I bring my own bag. I, also, pass on a straw and plastic top when I drink my soda at the restaurant. Just think of the millions of straws that are used every day, thrown in landfills and sit for 300 years.
I bought a new book today. The Runner's Diet by Madelyn H. Fernstrom. It's a book from Runner's World. So far I've only read the intro, but as I read it I will pass along tidbits from the book. Thanks to Iron Misty for recommending the book. If you haven't visited her blog and you'd like a good laugh, go there now and do not pass go or collect $200.

6 comments:

Nancy said...

I finally started reading up on speedwork: fartlek, tempo, interval. I actually get the difference now. Hoping to start incorporating some of these. I think if you were getting worn out, you were doing them correctly, right? Great work!!!

You made me think about my little 1/4 mile circle. I suppose I could start there.

Anonymous said...

i do love that word :)

Jenniferlyn said...

Fartlek is funny, but "speed play" sounds dirtier to me. Ewww... play.

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Fartlek sounds soooo gassy...reminds me of my brother that ran the Houston Marathon in January....one of his comments was that in that vast sea of runners still running as a "wave" after a mile or so...then taking a deep breath...just after someone up ahead had....well you get the picture....fartlek just makes me laugh...I can't wait for the 2008 Houston Marathon.....oh baby...keep us fit and trim as you read your new book....thanks for sharing from it...

Pokey said...

Good luck with your HM tomorrow Pat!

As I commented on my own blog, the TRC will miss you this Saturday! Just envision yourself on the canals with the *Angels* and the llamas, and you will do just fine.

:)

My Life said...

Wow, you all take a Japanese sword class? Very cool.

Let us all know what you think of the book!!