Boot Camp Plus Running

Did not end up running last night.  It got late and I just couldn't motivate myself to head out.  So, I chalked the day up as a rest and recovery day.  I needed it.  Those boot camp sessions don't seem so epic when I'm doing them or during the early part of the day afterward, but the payback sure comes later on in the evening and the next day.

Today is Wednesday, and time again for the boot camp workout.  I don't really like the fact that they call it "boot camp" since it's not.  It's basically an hour of calisthenics and plyometrics, with a little bit of faux drill sergeant atmosphere.  I think Chris (instructor) might be a former Marine, but he's more friendly and encouraging than a real boot camp "counselor" would be.

It's a good workout though.  I thought my quads were in good shape, but that's where I feel it most.  There, and in my pecs/triceps from all the pushups and walking planks.  I really am pretty spent for the rest of the day.

Nevertheless, on Monday and again today I filled in my workout schedule with a run.  Monday's run was difficult.  Today, I ran harder than Monday but it wasn't as hard.  I joined up with the Wednesday evening running group at Laces, finally.  It's pretty informal and nothing like the WC Road Runners group gatherings; at least not yet.

The group was small and I was one of a few newbies, checking things out.  We did a 4 more loop from the shopping center at Scripps Poway Pkwy, up Spring Canyon to Blue Cypress, were we gathered the various pacers again at the community park, and then continued back down to Scripps Poway Pkwy again and back to the store.

It was a good run; kind of challenging during the first half which is where all the elevation gain is, but very relaxing on the way back.  I pushed a little going out, setting in with the lead group of 4.  I was leading, but I didn't feel like I was setting the pace so much as simply trying to "keep up from ahead".  I just happened to wind up in front, but I felt like the pace was being pushed from behind.  The other 3 were good runners, and Eric (Erik?) kept a very conversation tone indicating to me he was very comfortable.  Later, after the run, folks kind of indicated that I'd set the brisk pace.  Had I known that, I'd probably have slowed down.  I was still pretty fatigued from the morning boot camp, but I guess my pride pushed me to show what I was made of.

I don't know how fast we ran since I didn't keep time.  I just ran on feel, but it wasn't leisurely.  The 2nd half of the run was.  I ran with a younger guy named Greg and we had a nice talk during the run back to Laces, finding some common ground in our Maryland roots.  Of that gang of 4, I'm the rookie.  The others are all more accomplished and experienced.  Next week, some of the younger competitive runners (high schoolers and collegiate runners) that the owners -- Clarence and Mike -- coach will be on hand, so I fully expect to be relegated to the pack.  That's fine with me.  No way I'm going to try to keep up with the young bucks.

Even though it was only 4 miles, the tempo wore me down and I'm feeling it a bit, mostly in my ankles.  I'd like to run tomorrow, especially since I didn't on Tuesday.  But I'd also like to stick with the plan and get back in the pool and back in the spin studio.  I've promised Quin I'll take him to the Hilltop Park PAR COURSE in the afternoon/evening.  I may just have to get back on schedule and skip the run as planned.