Dog Days

So I went to the doctor today, and was given penicillin for my sore throat/left side of face. I'm not exactly sure what the official diagnosis was - I was in and out in less than two minutes - but it didn't seem too serious, and all signs point to a quick recovery. Good thing too, because I can't afford to miss any workouts due to illness.

Speaking of workouts, today's running included over four kilometers worth of speed work. I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but I need to bring up my mileage before I attempt anything major at the track. Besides, I have another speed session planned for Thursday, so there's no need to overdo it. Not yet, at least.

My date with the track consisted of 5 repeats: 1600, 1200, 800, 400, 200. Each repeat is supposed to be faster than the last, with a reduced rest time between each repeat in order to maintain the effort. Based on my times from last year, here's how I expected each repeat to go down:

1600 - 6:20 or less
1200 - 4:45 or less
800 - 3:10 or less
400 - 1:30 or less
200 - sub 0:40

After a quick warmup, I started my session. I was moving fast - much quicker than planned, actually - when suddenly I caught a dog charging at me from the corner of my eye. I turned to assess the situation, and noticed that the little guy was carrying a frisbee in his mouth, which meant he was no harm to me.

Or so I thought. As soon as I turned my attention back to the track, the little bugger bounded up behind me, clipping my heels with the frisbee. The dog's owner managed to reel him in after 50 meters of chasing, but as soon as I came around the bend for the next lap, Lassie (well, he looked like a Lassie to me) clipped my heels again. I'll take a frisbee to the leg over a set of teeth any day, but it was still annoying at best.

Despite the Lassie's best efforts, I managed to run the mile in 6:08. As I was resting, he bounded over to me, frisbee in mouth, ready for round two. I was tempted to give in and play a game of fetch with him, but I needed to focus on the task at hand. Besides, I didn't want to encourage him when I started up again.

Turns out I didn't need to. Lassie followed me around for my entire workout, oblivious to his master's protests. I'm not sure if he inspired me to greatness - I did pick up the pace whenever he drew close to avoid the inevitable frisbee to the heel - but I ran my repeats much faster than expected. Maybe I should invite him to all of my workouts.

I don't have any concrete plans for tomorrow - it's an easy day, according to my calendar - but I would definitely enjoy a group run. I might hit up the Running Room, or I might go back to the track and see if Lassie runs with a pack. Either way, running solo is getting a little old.

Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.