Them Hill Things Again.

Ok the photo has nothing to do with anything to do with the workout I did today.

Today, as my facebook status or my facebook 'what's on my mind thingy' suggests (because I typed it) I was about to do 8 x 400m hill repeats at max V02 on Little Saanich Mountain.

And by Jiminy I did just that.

For all of you (the billions) who have followed my progress, being a world-class average, nearly middle-aged guy with no apparent talent (so why wouldn't you want to track my progress), I did them fast. Good - done - end of post.

Psych!

Three weeks ago I ran the same said 400s (approx) up that hill in 1:41 - 1:45 in a mostly aerobic state, just until the last 10m - then I dipped into the early stages of anaerobicity.

The week next week, a week of higher mileage, better intensity and during colder temps, (thefore me wearing more layer - restrictive layers), I ran the same workout with the same results. In other words a better workout.

This week I was sick with a cold and am still a little woozy, but decided to run the workout anyway.

So the first one was way faster, the gates seemed to come up on me quicker. I finished the first one in 1:37 - I am mystified, as the wind was swirling and I totally didn't feel like doing this workout as to how I managed such an improvement.

I did have to grab knees and wait, but hardly. So I thought to myself how can I be much quicker with less effort?

Answer: The anaerobic system is finite and limited and pre-determinded for the mostest part. So I can (we can) develop it and get quick returns, getting faster suddenly however, it is limited and what really determines raceability is the aerobic base built during the months of steady long miles that should have gone on before - which I haven't really done. Recently, as noted, I have 'refreshed the aerobic system' to some degree.

Repeat number 2 was the same; mystifyingly sexier than ever.

Repeat number 3 was different. I went out way too fast and died and ran slower, 1:44 - Bah!

Repeat number 4 (I know you are living every moment with me here) was slightly faster - good!

Repeat number 5 back down to 1:40, yes!

The cyclists that have been sitting on their frames chatting, have decided to stop posing and move their lycra asses and head up the hill, about time!

Repeat number 6: Head up, steady, try to leave heal planted and bring knee up and get the elbows to stop acting like spider limbs. Cyclists do not pass me....lazy, probably still chatting as they ride.

Repeat number 7: Head up tricking myself that this is the last repeat - steady to the sign, but focussed...and pocussed. Steadier to the curve, control those fricken spider limbs, almost curl feet from toe plant to toe-off (reeping minimalism reward here) push off hard, 1:37 - uber wikid dude!

Repeat number 8: Trick myself into believing that if I don't do this repeat faster, I am an utter and complete loser and I will get picked on and Eddy Haskel will come stick gum in my ear. This doesn't really work, as I was actually the Eddy Haskel...I make myself indignant at the idea...and start to go faster yet magically controlled. Pass the sign erect, no disfunction here. Hit that first curve feeling it a little - dang lactic acid is starting early. Cross where the asphalt gets grainier, that little spot where, like Pavlov's dog I feel the left ham wiggle out.

I wig out, centrafugally sucked into the curve (what a load) ... final curve, where I usually and for no apparent reason start counting down from 20, think high knee.....have kick....left elbow back....right elbow up....chin up....KNEES UP DAMNIT!....the....gates......click ...1:36.

Bend over grab knees, spit foaming crap on dandelion...swear....blow left nostril, sounds like a gun shot...ear popped...too much information....

Yessss.

Tomorrow is long, aerobic and with music.

What is thoroughly intoxicating about speed work is the fast improvements and the whole sporting-male testosteronia that goes on throughout. I can see why people get lulled into a sense of reliance on the anaerobic work year round. This, even though it is the worst possible stuff to do if done at the wrong time for a middle distance or long distance runner.

Next phase, new wave, it's still rock 'n roll to meeee. Ok I parasang Billy Joel there. But my next phase is the anaerobic phase where I do like km repeats and mile repeats etcetera, etcetera.

Stay tuned, because it's gonna get far out dides (multiple dudes). Fido dido and don't you forget that.