The Zippy family is spring breaking for a couple of days on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Today I headed out for a seven-mile run with four miles of tempo in the center of it. A few minutes into the run, the wind started to pick up. And then pick up some more. And more, along with rain.
Soon, my hat and sunglasses were ripped off my head. It was starting to feel like I was running into a wall, barely making forward progress (I had thankfully headed out into the wind). But it was time to start the tempo, so I put my head down and started. I had to laugh, it was all so absurd. I couldn’t think about pace at all, because it would have been too depressing. Instead, I focused on effort and the fact that I would get to turn around in about 15 minutes.
My Team Tough Chik shirt motivated me
Just before my turn around point, I spotted a group of young runners (maybe high school or college age) heading in the other direction. They were scattered out into about three subgroups. I decided that once I turned around, they were going to be my targets.
Now, let me say that if I am out on an easy run, I don’t bother trying to catch people–I’m not going to waste my legs that way. But when I am smack in the middle of tempo. all bets are off. So I began my quest to take out my targets. The first three were easy; I had them within a couple of minutes. Next up were another four that I had to work a bit harder to reach. Finally, there were four young guys left up ahead.
I knew that if I was going to work hard enough to catch them, I had to make it stick. Nothing’s worse than the dreaded repass, am I right? And I was wearing my Team Tough Chik shirt–on the back it says “This is what tough looks like.” You CAN’T pass people with that on a shirt and let them come back and get you! So I dug deep, passed, and never looked back.
Silly? Immature? Yeah, probably. But at 46, I have to admit, it’s fun to pass people who are probably 20 to 25 years my junior.
Do you ever set targets on your run?
LOL – I love it. Yes, I do that all the time actually. And it’s just such a fun feeling when you past the unsuspecting persone
Have fun on the beach! Love the Gulf Coast area.
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Lunch Date, Gym and Fajitas on Mexican Monday
Ha, I do this ALL the time. I start mental competitions in my head, just to get me riled up and aggressive
Heather@Just a Colorado Gal recently posted..Spreading a Lil’ Love
Love it! You are awesome!
Carrie recently posted..T-Minus 5 Days.
This makes me laugh. All to familiar. Nothing worse than passing someone who is going a pretty good pace and then being passed again so yes, you go girl! Enjoy your time. Can’t believe we are on the last stretch before Boston. I keep meaning to e-mail you regarding a meet-up and what time you were referring to when you mentioned M&S…like right after the race or later on? I’ll private message you soon.
Great workout! And congrats on passing the 20′s
I really thought I’d see them flying by at some point but they were spend.
I don’t set targets unless I’m closing in on them and know I can pass. When I ran the Heart Run, I did pass a group of young guys. Two of them were struggling the other two waited for them. I took the opp. to pass them. You’re so right. That DID feel good.
Joanne recently posted..I’m not so stealth and Breakfast Bars
Thats so funny! Good for you because your right if you wear a shirt like that you better not let them pass you. It’s been so windy here I told my friends that is what pool running feels like. Meh. So glad I’m back out on the roads. Have a great vacation !
Fueled by Spite recently posted..Voodoo Doc
Love it! You are awesome.
Have fun in Florida! I am so excited to see you in less than two weeks!
Erin Henderson recently posted..Passions
This is awesome.
That shirt ROCKS!!
One day I’ll try to be like you….tough. Not so much the running outside part.
So how many did you CHICK?!?
Awesome.
Way to pass the young kids! Not immature at all. I love it!
Hikermom recently posted..Sun, Fun, and Jelly Bean Run!
NICE!
I love when I get the rare opportunity to pass a guy. They get all hissy and it’s quite amusing.
Kristy@RunTheLongRoad recently posted..The hay is in the barn
that is classic runner machismo… glad to know it affects the ladies as well. Way to show em what ya got! Great post, great run.
@PavementRunner recently posted..Oakland Marathon: Photos
I love it when the 40+ crowd totally chicks the 20- crowd!! Vacation locale looks awesome! Have a great trip!
Christina recently posted..Family BBQ + Masonry
Love it!
Gotta dig deep & not get beat!!
MandiRuns recently posted..5:30am Birthday Parties
You GO, Tough Chik!
Ya…you would definitely have to stay in the lead after passing with THAT shirt on…too embarrassing otherwise =D
Julie recently posted..My Sweet LIttle Weapons Dealer
You’re so awesome, I love this! First of all, it seems it took your mind of the weather and gave you a good distraction
But you are so right, the worst would’ve been to pass them and then let up and have them pass you – nice job! Have fun in FL!
Beth @ RUNNING around my kitchen recently posted..It’s just like riding a bike
I’m not very fast, so usually I’m the opposite. I consciously DON’T try to catch people because it could be too depressing. After my trail race in February, though, when I tailed behind people bc I lacked the confidence to pass and then never saw them again after they moved out of my way, I’m more willing to pass in a race situation rather than just assume I can’t catch up.
And yes, can’t get repassed in a a Touch Chic shirt!
Kate recently posted..The Final Push (LBL Challenge, part 5)
HAHAHAHAHA!! I freaking love this!! You’re right, you have that shirt on, you’re committed to going all the way!! I love picking people off, it’s the best feeling!
Haha, love this! I’ve definitely done the same thing before. Yay for catching, and passing all of them!
abbi recently posted..Miles and Mutts
I’m like you–I don’t do this on easy runs, but it’s a great way to motivate on the ones that are supposed to be hard. I love the image of you catching those young guys. Good for you!
Terzah recently posted..The Cleanse Report
Oh we’ve so all done that! It is an awesome feeling when we can pass those younger ones.
freak’n awesome!
VROOOOOOM. go get ‘em.
katie recently posted..the weeks are just marching along
Hows that Florida humidity treating you?
Jeff Irvin recently posted..Ironman Mont-Tremblant Training Week #1
I have a shirt like that..the front is Mom on the Run but the back is the same
and yep of course I like to pass younger people or GUYS….!
Caroline recently posted..Nuun Application for Hood to Coast
I definitely let competition take over my brain sometimes. It’s good for speedwork!
And… welcome to my corner of the planet! The Gulf Coast weather is… erm… not so great (ever) but the beaches sure are pretty!
Beth (i run like a girl) recently posted..Very superstitious
Oh I haven’t been to Florida for almost 20 years! I remember the winds in March along the Atlantic beaches.
Loved this story, you Tough Chik! So fun.
Elle recently posted..I am a Happy Runner
I had a similar experience during my last 22 miler: however, the cross country team I encountered was heading towards me. I would’ve been right with you had I approached them from behind!!!
Lisa recently posted..What’s better than the taper?
Outstanding! Loved reading this! You are awesome! They are probably all still amazed at your speed.
The chase has gotten me through tough speed and tempo runs many a time! I so do the same thing. Even got a huge stink eye from some guy when I passed him once. It tasted like sweet victory to me.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..Heart Rate Zone Training
I Love it!
Victoria recently posted..Kickin’ My Own Ass
Mwah, hah, hah!! I actually don’t target people when I run…unless I’m running with them or it’s a skunk near the side of the road. I don’t see many others out where I live!
Erik recently posted..Running Warehouse ROCKS!!
Tough chick is right!
Gracie recently posted..Work crazies
Oh I so want to be away for spring break! Enjoy it!
Christina recently posted..one day at a time
LOVE IT! Way to show those kids who’s boss
Have a great vacation! That picture looks beautiful!
Kara recently posted..Miles for Breakfast
I’ve only done the chase on races or on a track. Never really done it out on a regular training run outside. But that’s awesome you’ve got the power and stamina to pass the youngens! (You’d never guess you were 46!)
Vieve recently posted..I Count the Minutes
I love it! You rock.
Laurie recently posted..32 Weeks and 248 Feet
I don’t necessarily set a target to pass, but I set a target that I have to get so far & then if my calves are still burning or I am just exhausted, when I get that far I can walk for 60 seconds, etc.
Ara recently posted..Technical Question
Great post. It made me smile.
Nice work on the tempo run and catching those carrots.
Missy recently posted..Sloppy Joes
Run them down…
Coach Dion recently posted..TAPER TIME
This post cracked me up! You definitely can’t allow a repass when you’re wearing a shirt with a message like that.
Enjoy your vacation!
Raquelita recently posted..April Goals
I set targets to catch in races especially. I usually don’t see any runners out while I am just running but during races, I will use it as a way to slowly catch and pass people. I find it really motivating and also distracting during races which I need sometime to take my mind of the pain!
J recently posted..Semi Solo Tempo Tuesday
Looks like Seaside?
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
— C. S. Lewis
Kovas recently posted..Snowboarding at Breckenridge
That is awesome! I don’t think we can turn off that competitive part of our nature, no matter what age we are.
Enjoy the family time in FL!
Laura recently posted..Lazy staycation
NOT silly or immature! Motivation comes in all forms. Way to go, Tough Chik!
marlene recently posted..WIAW + Weigh-In Wednesday
DANG WOMAN!! You dominated your tempo run and I bet that felt real good to pass them:) Have a blast in Florida!
Love this..except I would so be worried about the repass. Maybe that would make me run faster….
Laura recently posted..March Recap
Nice tank teammate!
Enjoy your vacation!
Stephanie Anne recently posted..I write about my Health Because…
Hahahahha! Isn’t ‘immature’ what boring people call fun people?
You go, girl!
XLMIC recently posted..Samurai Trail Running…with minor injuries
You are amazing! I bet it was so satisfying to pass them. I don’t pass people often because I’m slow, but I do get pleasure out of passing people when I’m pushing the stroller. It’s fun to see the looks on their faces
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Great job!! I do this a lot, I pass people and push hard to stay ahead, more of my own competition but not immature at all!!
Toni Church recently posted..I Write About Health Because……. #HAWMC
Waving hi to you from Naples!!!! We keep missing each other even though we seem to end up in the same state!
Allison Johnson recently posted..Race Report and Nerd Alert: Valley of Gold Half Marathon
AHHHHH! I LOVE this!! I am totally like you. Easy runs and I distract myself from who’s around me and how fast they are going. But runs that are tough and fast, I enjoy the competitiveness in me that makes me want to pass everyone in front of me.
Glad you smoked that =) =) =) Enjoy your vacation!! =)
Michele @ nycrunningmama recently posted..Ironman 70.3 Texas
My favorite is doing that with the jogging stroller! Good for you and sometimes pushing a little more than you’re supposed to is worth it because it’s so fun!
Salty recently posted..Getter Faster Is Simple. It’s Not Easy.
Haha I love it! Running is a all about mind games. Its an individual sport at its heart, so why not play games in your head. I have passed people for silly reasons- but if it make you go faster- why not? Great run
Josie @ happycorrdora.com recently posted..Mid-week Running Update.
Love this!! Goob job!!
Christine recently posted..Three Things Thursday