Getting out to the TRACK.

After my ‘Fear of Failure’ post, I knew I had to face my biggest fear in terms of running.

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It has been almost a year since the last time I went to the track for a speed workout.  The last time I went was my first DNF workout when I first realized that something was seriously wrong with my leg, you can read about it HERE.

I am so glad that I tagged along with Billy and my BIL for their speed work session….I did my own thing but loved being there and pushing myself.  Including warm-up and cool-down I did 8 miles…that is 32 laps, that just sounds wrong.

Another reason I felt so good…..I was sent a pair of shoes from On and they felt amazing.  I will be doing a full review of them after I get more miles in them.

I had about 470 miles on my last pair of shoes and my body and joints were feeling the need for new shoes, there is nothing better than a fresh new pair of awesome shoes.    Billy is not posing for this picture by staring off into the distance, he was looking at his brother talking to him while foam-rolling his IT band.

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The BIL is staying with us this week and when he is here we tend to eat out even more than our usual 4 nights a week because it feels like we are in constant party mode.  I teach spin within 10 hours of finishing our run, there was no way I was going to attempt to look like a human being after our hard workout.

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I wanted a turkey and roast beef sandwich (not on the menu) and they made it for me even for the $5 deal, I am now hooked.

3 subs that stretched across the entire length of our coffee table were demolished in 8 minutes flat while watching Office re-runs…The Dundees.

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Remember how I was talking about how BYU is encouraging their students and staff to get active? Billy met the 150 miles and got his sweet shirt that he promised I could borrow whenever I am trying to impress my friends.

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Speaking of BYU…Miles Batty broke the collegiate indoor mile record on February 11th at the Milrose Games in NYC.  He ran it in 3:54.54…..aka 15 MILES PER HOUR.  You can read all about it HERE.

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How often do you get to the track?  Do you like track work?  Do you want to do more track work? Do you have tracks close by to you..if not, where do you do your speed work?

How often do you foam roll?

What brand of running/workout shoes are you using right now?

Current FAVORITE sandwich topping?

-Jalapeños…the more the merrier.

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77 comments

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Just curious- what sort of speedwork did you do? I think you mentioned that you are not formally training now/yet, so I was wondering what you encorporated? What was Billy and the BIL’s workout?

sorry..curious running nerd here…

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Yes – I agree – I want to hear about the workouts that you, Billy and the BIL did! And race plans. I’m less interested in sandwiches. :-)
-Amy

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I guess I forgot that minor detail:) Sorry about that. Billy and the BIL did 1 mile warmup and 4X1600 @ 6:16 with 800 m jogs in between and 1 mile cool down. I did 1 mile warmup and 1 mile cool down with 40o meters of speed for every mile x 6. Not very structured but wanting to get my legs used to a little speed.

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I od’d on Subway but after seeing that pic, I think I’m ready for them to reappear in my life! I had an awesome sandwich for lunch: hummus, turkey, lettuce and sprout on rye bread….plus it took all of 3 minutes to pack up so win all round :)!

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How can you OD on Subway? I think you need to get it back in your life. UM…yum, your sandwich sounds delicious!

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Avocados for the topping, Mizuno’s and I foam roll about every other run but always my long runs. I’d love your thoughts on the questions I posted today, namely about the Rebecca article. Have a fab day. Btw, never done a track workout.

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Good call on the Avocados!! WOW….60 lbs after twins, that is awesome. She sounds really dedicated and works hard…YAY for Bikram Yoga

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I’m kind of scared of the track too. I used to get injured a lot so it became a place I avoided. I think I am almost ready to go again. Good job on getting back out there :)

I wear Nike Vomeros.

I don’t have a foam roller here in Mexico but when I get access, I like to foam roll daily. It makes my ITBs very happy :)

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I think that is what made me afraid of the track too…INJURIES. You can do it though, just take time to build up:) Have a great day!

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I LOOOOOVE track work. I don’t get to do much of it in the winter though, because my school’s track is locked and often covered in snow. One time I was doing mile repeats while the band (including several of my students) was practicing on the field. I got so many questions the next day… “How many laps did you run? WHY were you running so many laps? Why were you sprinting some of them and jogging the others?” Ohhhh… high schoolers.

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BAHAHAH my high schoolers think I am crazy too….actually Sara we probably are a little crazy! When does the track open back up?

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Itll open back up in march when track practice starts… And then I’ll get to share the track which is equally as fun. :)

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Great track run! I do like the track, only for speed work. but, I have been sticking to the treadmill for my speed work lately, which is not even once a week. I need more.
I do not foam roll as often as I should. I NEED to start. today. I was just thinking about that this morning! Right now I usually run in my kinvara’s or asics speedstar – but am trying to figure out what to do. I have a marathon in 2 months, and need new shoes. I will probably end up buying a trainer and another pair of kinvaras for the race. I get crazy about shoes before a race. I want them just barely broken in. My favorite sandwich topping right now is this orange vinaigrette I got at TJ’s, so good! and hummus.

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I don’t do track workouts but do speed workouts using my handy dandy garmin. I don’t foam roll either but do stretch the IT in other ways. One of my favorite toppings are peperoncinis. I love my current running shoes they are the asics gel nimbus 13. Have an awesome day.

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I have NEVER done a track workout. Just a charity walk on a track. I foam roll my back/shoulder every few days. I am currently in Nike’s and had been finding them at the outlet but no more. I am going to have to find a new shoe when I use up my stockpile.
GUACAMOLE!!! Well, for turkey burgers. I don’t really eat sandwiches.

The Kidless Kronicles

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I used to go to the track every Wednesday, but my running group moved two towns over, so now I can’t make it during the week. Maybe when it warms up and the sun is out later I’ll go on my own.

I don’t really foam roll unless something is painful.

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I juuuuust switched to Newtons. I’m a big barefoot girl and I love them. I can already feel how they are helping my stride :)

I’ve recently started track workouts. As my friend says “it’s the only time my lungs get an isolated workout”!

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I bought a foam roller to treat my self diagnosed ITBS – it’s so painful though!

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So glad you got out there and stared that fear down! I totally get that–the lingering mental effects of injury are awful.

I do love the track when i’m in shape. Nothing fires up the fast-twitch muscles better!

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I like the track because I can visualize how far I need to go in order for the pain, i mean speed workout, to end. However, I never go enough. And by never go enough I mean I haven’t been in probably 6 months.

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I love track workouts but the UVA track is under construction right now…should be opening up in the next few weeks so I am super excited to get back out there!

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I don’t have a track near where I live or work, so I just fartlek on my usual routes for my speedwork. Thursdays are my speedwork days. I try to foam roll every day – and the TV is a great distractor while I’m doing it since I have to do so much of it!

Currently rotating between three pairs of running shoes: Nike Air Citius 2+, Asics Gel Cumulus 13, and Mizuno Wave Rider 15 (I’m experimenting with brands). I like all three, but the Wave Riders are probably my favorite at the moment.

Favorite sandwich toppings – CHEESE, avocado, roasted red peppers, hummus, Dijon mustard! Oh wait, those toppings could be an entire sandwich by themselves… =D

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I wear brooks shoes and I’m doing my first speed work session ever today! ahhh nervous

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Oh my goodness, that scenery is amazing! I don’t run on tracks very often, but if I had those mountains to look at I might do it more.

I don’t ever foamroll – I don’t have one, but I hinted to my BF that I would love one so we’ll see if one shows up at my house soon :-)

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I love the black and green shoes! Subway is my favorite place to eat. I like a lot of their sandwiches, but probably my go-to sandwich is the Roast beef with L,T,Cuc and GP.

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I usually do my speedwork on a treadmill but with training for my first full I’m not caring about speed so much as finishing alive and injury-free :)

How often do you foam roll? –Not nearly enough…. ’nuff said.

I’m a devote Brooks Adrenaline person. In fact, I have to go buy new ones!

I always get a veggie sub with everything EXCEPT your lovely jalapenos, banana peppers and tomatoes. So good.

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Billy’s shirt really is cool. I’m jealous. Even though I graduated from BYU, I have no BYU clothing, anywhere, at all. Kind of weird. I swear I’m not trying to hide it. Maybe.

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I am currently using Brooks Adrenaline 11 and Mizuno Inspire 7. I try to save money buying an older model.
Today I have a meatloaf snadwich with bbq sauce, but my go to’s are roast beef with blue cheese and turkey with TJ’s spicy mustard, lettuce & tomato.

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My fave sandwich topping is basil. I put so much basil on my sandwich it’s so good.

congrats on getting your speed work session in! no better feeling than conquering a fear! :) have a fab day pretty lady!

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So funny, I just picked up a subway club for breakfast/lunch. I get mine with spinach, onions, green peppers, pickles and light mayo.

I foam rolled yesterday.

currently my running shoes are Saucony Hurricanes. I am expecting a new pair to arrive any day now.

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omg, cannot tell you enough how good track workouts are. i used to do them prior to getting married ( now it’s hard to get in the time to get out there ). they help so much and since the distance’s are marked perfectly, it’s so much easier to do than speed work on the treadmill. ( the treadmill is where it’s at for me right now with speed work. )

foam roll maybe once a month or when i feel i need a good stretch.

love brooks running shoes. currently have the launch and track shoes too. going to buy a new pair next weekend.

i like sliced cucumber on my turkey sandwiches.

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Way to go getting back on the track, you’re awesome!!

Usually I hit the track once a week – but I do it with a group. It’s much more fun that way and it keeps you accountable! Plus it makes you push THAT much harder when you’re with other people who are doing the same thing.

My current sneakers are Nike Air Pegasus (PINK ones!) and I kind of love them!

I don’t foam roll as much as I should…. But I’m working on it! I often think if there’s nothing overly sore on my, why spend 10 mins out of my already too-busy day foam rolling… but that’s not a good way to think. I’m trying to do it more!

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The Dundee’s in one of my favorite episodes! That and Survivorman and The Injury, where Dwight gets a concussion and Michael cooks his foot on the George Foreman :)
Have a great Thursday, Janae!!

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I watched the story about Miles on the news- it was so awesome! I loved how all of his cross country friends were cheering him on in the hotel room.

Way to face your fears! I’m sure you were a speedy McSpeed demon.

Nothing is better than a $5 footlong.

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Im not running (because I suck!) but I bought the NewBalance Minimus (WT20s) shoes with the Virbam bottoms for my training per some advice and they are absolutely amazing!
I just foam rolled for the first time EVER. I never thought of it since I always associated it with running but my ankles get sore sometimes so my trainer said it is most likely due to me having super tight calves. That thing HURTS so good!
current sandwich topping fav: spinach!

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I have a love/hate relationship with speed workouts. Hate doing it but love when it is done. And hopefully the results pay off! Right now it is too cold and dark to go to the track so I do speed work on the treadmill.
Favorite sandwhich topping: banana peppers

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ahhh i havent run on a track in a while..and i’ve never done an official speedwork run :/ i would like to get faster eventually, so i know i’ll need to face my own fears as well about them..

i’ve been foam rolling mostly every day now…my IT band issues seem gone but I know as I delve into longer runs it will be more necessary.

i’ve been using the new mizuno inspires…i’m loving them so far!!

fave sandwich toppings=banana peppers all the way!!!

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Track workouts totally kick your ass, but then make you feel like a total rockstar! Well done!!

I love jalapenos as well – can’t have too many!! Anything spicy makes my world go ’round :)

The foam roller – OUCH! But it works ;)

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I’m watching office re-runs right now on netflix! I’m on the episode where they take a field trip to the beach and Michael is trying to choose his replacement. And I haven’t run on a track since 8th grade!!!

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strong work on your speed workout girl!!! woot! i try to foam roll a few times a week, but i absolutely dread it!! :/

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So I don’t do a lot of speed work, just one day a week, but my brother really wants me to find a track and do some Yasso 800s so I can get a better idea about what my marathon time will be. I had never foam rolled that much, but this weekend on my long run my IT band starting hurting so I decided I better start. I actually made my own foam roller which saved us some money! The shoes that I love right now are my Nikes and my favorite sandwich topping currently is avocados.

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double jalapenos. double pickle. always.

Elijah has started “foam rolling” to be like mommy. I need to get a picture of that.

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I do speed workouts once a week. Right now it is on the treadmill at the gym because the tracks around here are covered in snow. I run in Mizuno nirvanas and I foam roll after I do these said speed workout on the treadmill. Kinda gross because I use the foam roller at the gym, but I keep asking for one as a present and no one in my family knows what I am talking about, so I have yet to get one.

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Hooray for conquering the track. 8 miles is crazy! I usually do my speedwork on the streets because I’m too intimidated to go near the track. And I’ve never foam rolled. Oops?

Mmmm subs. I think I know what I want for dinner tonight :)

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currently using brooks and LOVING them. dont know if ill go back to saucony!

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That is insanely fast! That’s like an average cycling speed!!!!

I’m jealous of your track workout! I love going to the track here but it is currently under mountains of snow, so all of my speed workouts have been on the treadmill. As much as I love winter, I’m starting to be ready for spring!!

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What workout did you do at the track? I have a track workout on the agenda for tonight and I am already totally dreading it. They’re so hard!

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I find a track comforting, kind of like a treadmill.

Favorite sandwich topping right now is miracle whip, which is the oddest ever because I don’t really like mayo……..but I like to be pleasantly surprised by my own tastebuds sometimes.

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Good for you!!!
I definitely have days like that…I remember one time my dad and I set out to do a tempo run (that’s the type of workout I get the most nervous for!)
We planned on doing 1mile warm up, three mile tempo, 1 mile cool down, and I stopped only 1/2 mile through the tempo part and just started crying!!! Because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to hit the time I wanted!! how silly is that?!

So good for you for facing it and realizing that you have to get uncomfortable sometimes to reach your full potential!!

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Foam roll after every over 10Mile treadmill run and when I just feel achey and sore. Its the best part of working out other than guzzling down food.

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My snark is in full bark today b/c my first thought about the 3:54:54/15 mph feat: “Yeah, me too. ….twice. …in a row. ….backwards. …during my period. …wearing a bad bra. So there.” lol

However, I will note MY mile time is VERY similar to his. By only 1 number.
13:54:54. See how close we are?

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Miles Batty is AMAZING! He is such a great athlete–and that is so cool!

I love a good speedwork session–they make me wanna die and throw up all at the same time. Score :)

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YEA for ON CLOUD!! I just did a review for them. Our friend Olivier is tri buddies with the hubs. They will save your legs, yes?

Way to take fear out of that track woman!

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I am not a track fan. We had one at the school down the street from my parents house growing up. We have one about 2 miles from our house, but it’s a mental thing for me. I’ve never used the foam roller. I’ve seen you post about them before? What are the benefits? Right now I’m running in my Asics. I love jalepeno’s on sandwiches, avocados, oh and bean sprouts.

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So I followed your link to read about your quad injury…turned out I am going through something very similar with my calf right now, and reading your posts about optimism helped put me in a better mood! I, too, ran in the snow for kind of a long time one day. I, too, ended up feeling a little sore afterwards but continued running because every time I ran my calf would get warmed up and feel better. I ran on it for three weeks–long runs, speed work, hills and stairs (probably the most damaging to my calf). I didn’t have a DNF workout like you did with sudden extreme pain, it’s just that last week I realized I was actually limping around everywhere so decided to take time off so that my leg fully heals. I haven’t run in 8 days and I am very sad about that, but my calf is starting to feel a lot better (don’t think my injury was as severe as yours was) and I have been swimming and lifting (and boxing a little bit!) to maintain fitness. (Which…as a former collegiate competitive swimmer, it is really funny to see what 6 months of no swimming have done to my practice times!). I am pretty stressed out about this time off because my first marathon is in a little over two months. Hopefully I can run by this weekend!
Thanks for all the upbeat posts you’ve written, they cheered me up!

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Because of your fear post, I went out and did a hill training for the first time. I enjoyed it and felt good afterwards. I will start including that into my training more often!

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I hate speed runs! Especially since I got hurt after I started them. I like them better on a treadmill though b/c it forces me to keep my pace for the designated length of time. I don’t have a track to work with! Except the one at the gym but you have to go around that like 11 times for a mile- I’d go crazy!

I am currently wearing ascics but I am switching to try mizuno’s wave rider. I hope I like them!!

My favorite sandwich topping is peanut butter or pepperoncini (but not together!)

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I have a love-hate relationship with the track. I love it because I know it will make me a stronger runner and gain some fast-twitch muscle fibers. I hate it because I only have like 8 fast-twitch fibers right now, so it is so uncomfortable to push the pace.

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Oh an I’m obsessed with my foam roller- I try to use it every day!

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I haven’t been to the track since the fall. It just doesn’t work into my schedule during the winter with it being dark so early at night. During the summer is when I go most often. No competition for use from the high school students!

Foam roller? Yes, please! I leave it in my living room so I see it every night when I sit down to watch TV. Gentle reminder to use it!

Funny you should mention shoes…I’m on my way to buy new ones in an hour!

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I have never run on a track, and I’m ok with that. It somehow would legitimize my running too much =) When I go to Subway, I always get a turkey breast with all the veggies except onions and hot peppers. Top it off with mustard and vinegar and you’ve got a wiener!

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I haven’t posted before, but I’m so interested by your running! I do speed workouts on the treadmill right now (Minnesota is a cold and snowy place until April) usually do 1 mile WU, 1200 m sprint, 400 jog X4 and then 1 mile CD.

I foam roll EVERY morning! Probably the best thing I’ve done for myself since getting into running. It’s tough to get into because it can be so painful at the beginning, but after a few weeks I crave it.

Currently have a 3 shoe rotation. Saucony Kinvara, Newtons, and Merrell Pace Glove. My favorite are probably the Newtons though they’re neon pink – what’s not to love?

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I have never done a track workout… I will consider if I am on a training plan or something, but right now it’s not on the agenda.

I have been foam rolling about once a week. I could do more, but I have to do it at the gym, which can get awkward when I am going to town on my hips and non-foam folling folk don’t understand what I’m doing.

I’m on the Jalapeño bandwagon with you. My favorite Jalapeños are from Five Guys…so crisp and fresh.

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Nice job on your track workout! I haven’t done one since high school- definitely a little intimidated. I will have to find a nearby track and start once the weather warms up though. I usually do speed on the treadmill. Have a great afternoon :)

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I should foam roll more often, but I forget to. This is strange because I keep my foam roller RIGHT next to the tv. You’d think with it staring at me as I watch episode after episode of Lost I would remember. I did remember last night, though, and my four mile run this morning felt good.

Your subs look delicious! I normally only go to Subway when I’m traveling.

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I wore those very shoes today, green laces and all… but not at the track. The track still scares me and has been the root of injury…or so I think. I will be back there, just not yet.

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I despise the track, but every now and then I suck it up. I really don’t enjoy speed training and have gotten really good at talking myself out of doing it, even when I know I should. Sooo, in short, I don’t use the track nearly as much as I should, which is a shame because it’s literally a half mile from my place of residence. By-the-by, best sandwich toppings are onions and pickles. I usually have to ask for “just a little bit more” several times when I hit up subway.

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I just got myself a pair of Brooks Pure Flow and am totally in love with them! They are so light, but extremely comfortable too :) I really want to start foam rolling, but need to get a roller and instructions! My favorite sammie topping these days are pickles…I just can’t get enough of ’em!

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I go to the track on & off, but not for a speed workout. Since I am apparently injury prone and trying to not upset my foot and knee, it seems, all the time, I go there because it is a nice soft surface. Our track at the local high school is made out of old tires so it is pretty soft to run on.

I currently rotate Adidas Supernova Glide 3 and Nike Pegasus 28, both with my awesome custom orthotics!

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http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=jQigTwSnfSQ

this was my vday surprise :):):):):)

(u may have to copy/paste the link?)

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Haha it really does look like he is posing in that photo!

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I LOVE yellow peppers on my sandwiches!

And the last time I went to the track was about two weeks ago … I’m .8 miles from a beautiful park in New Orleans … it’s technically not a track because it’s pavement, but still! I love it :)

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My girlfriend Brittany and I did a track workout once last year, leading up to our first marathon in Nov 2011, and I remember feeling all anxious about it before we started…but then once we started and were done with it, I loved it!

Haven’t been back for more though…I feel like I need someone to force me to do it haha.

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Good job with the track workout :)

Also, I saw this and knew you’d appreciate it:

http://www.thekitchn.com/turn-a-refrigerator-ice-dispenser-into-a-candy-machine-video-166056

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I am so taking advantage of February ‘s $5 footlongs! I saw Billy’s pic and am looking forward to your review. Spencer and I did track mile repeats out first time training for a half–I like the track for speed work, but usually opt for the treadmill.–this time of year!!

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Hooooly crap 32 laps does sound wilddd but when you’re out there it is glorious :)
I NEVER do track work. I do all my speed work on the treadmill!
I used to foam roll so much but I have seriously been lacking I need to get back on it!
I wear brooks adrenaline which I loooove but I definitely need another pair soon. Great workout though!!

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I agree with the Jalapenos!

I hit the track yesterday … I wanted to run 6 miles … I guess I did not stretch my calves properly I was hurting for the first 3 miles … my first mile I think was at 11:08/mi … something happened at the 3 mile … at least my right leg felt great and my left leg slowly caught up … my last miles were 9:50 (close to my usual 10 something pace). 9:36 and 9:02!!! I know that is turtle speed for you, but really for me it is great … I know it was on a track but it was great … don’t think I have had that pace after my injury! Yeah for tracks!

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