Nike Run Clinic: Day 3

– with Jay (who looks like a firefly here), Coach Rio, friend, Vimz, Wilbert, Mark, and Jun.  (Chris, never leave before the photo op!) –

Silly me for thinking I could do an easy 10k during Day 3 of Nike Run Clinic.  My training at Ultra last night was quite the opposite. 

After the usual warm up and stretching, Coach Rio asked the group two questions: 1) who had injuries, and 2) who was going to run at Singapore; both times I raised my hand.  We were then divided into groups during which my bullheaded self requested permission to cross over to the uninjured group instead.  Coach Rio and Jo-Ar obliged telling me to simply stop should I encounter any pain.

I found myself with Jun and Mark under the supervision of Coach John. Jay and Chris joined the group several minutes later.  We were to run 3 x 200m with 100m walks for recovery.  My goal time was 40 sec.  Phew.  Just thinking about it made my heart rate skyrocket but, at the same time, I was looking forward to doing intervals again which I hadn’t done since summer.  (Ssssh, don’t tell anyone.)

In a few words, that workout was lung-busting, vomit-inducing, and really tiring, but it was a lot of fun. I also picked up a few tips from Coach Rio and Coach John who took note of my “lazy wrists” and helped me correct my form. I ended the run without injury but Coach Rio advised me to continue with the ice—not in my drink, Mark—but on my knee. 

I must say that I don’t enjoy intervals as much as long runs, but I always end track workouts feeling proud of myself for merely being able to walk back to my car alive and well.  I’m so looking forward to Nike Run Clinic Day 4. Tempo Workout, here I come!

Thank you to the wonderful coaches: Rio, John, Jo-Ar and Roel and the rest of the team.