Circuitry, Again

Today was the second Circuit workout of the three that kick off the Marathon Mondays for Chicago training. Weather was quite a bit nicer than Saturday, but still humid. Gilbert told us to warm up easily, and we did, for a change. I felt pretty loose by the time we got to Austin High School. Drills were a little snappier than usual, because Gilbert could see us clearly in the early morning light (no more hiding in the dark like in Fall, Winter and Spring!), and he kept us on task. A quick drink of water, and it was time to get going.

I scored 3 complete circuits and about half of the fourth (400 meter runs between sets). Gilbert called us over to do the medicine ball routine then, which was tough in spots but seemingly a bit easier than in past weeks. He showed me a new exercise that he wants to incorporate, though, and it will be rugged once it gets added to the mix. Basically, you hold yourself up at an angle with your abs while seated, and you catch and toss the medicine ball from arms extended high over your head. Sounds easy, and it started out easy, but you start burning about 7 tosses into the festivities. Fun times.

The extra stuff after that included hopping (burn, baby burn those calves and quads), the 15/30/45 deal, some arch/smash, and the new and improved fast feet. I was totally drenched upon completion of all that, but it was a good kind of tired. So I will try to convince myself, at any rate. :-)

A group of us actually ran pretty easily back to RunTex, and our day was done. I got in most of the full stretching ritual while chatting with Rachel, Lisa, and Colleen.

Another good day of Gazelles, about 5 miles of total foot pounding. This may have been the last day of the old Fila Providence II's, though. Tomorrow is 40-50 minutes of EZ HR running and then a gym visit. Wednesday is either Fartleks or 1000's on the road...we'll see what's what when we show up then.