Although I am still not feeling "nickel" (as the french would say, pronounced "knee-cal") I have been able to slug my way through this day all right. Despite feeling light-headed, phlemy, very lethargic, and achy I was feeling "tip-top".
To get the body in motion and, hopefully, flush out the sickness I went for what was (surprisingly) an awesome 8 mile run. Along the way I discovered a new, and totally rewarding way to do intervals (actually more like fartleks) that can totally screw with people - in this case, cyclists. Here is the step-by-step training program (patent pending):
1. While running, look for cyclists that are going roughly the same speed as you (plus or minus).
2. Sneak up on cyclist - get just a few paces behind their rear wheel.
3. Accelerate and take the left lane
4. When running abreast with the cyclist, hold your breath for 5-10 seconds (or at least until you pass) so it looks like you are not even working all that hard. If you can, try to whistle a few lines of a catchy tune too.
5. Keep accelerating - listen for a quickened pace from the cyclist. This is a usual result since no cyclist can really be all that serious if he is getting passed by a runner!
6. If the cyclist takes the bait, keep your legs moving and body accelerating. Do NOT look back - you are the one in control of the situation - that WILL be lost if show weakness now! Another useful technique, when the lighting is right, is to look for shadow movement of things behind you. Once you see a shadow croaching up on you, you can time your acceleration perfectly...this also earns you additional frustration points.
7. Keep your accelerated pace until the cyclist finally passes you (remember step #4, just to remind him that he is the only one really working right now).
8. Slow back to easy pace until you are recovered
9. Look for next cyclist - if you are truely lucky, it will be the same guy!
Using this technique you will be on the lips of every man and woman wearing padded spandex in no time! Happy running!
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4 comments:
That's awesome!!
#4) I usually use the blowing bubble routine when passing, it clearly shows you out for a fun run.
Being a fell runner I've succeeded in doing this on tough hills, but they always fly past while 'free wheeling' down the other side!
Get well soon.
You'll probably hear quite a few muttered 'merde's' too, in the process... I like to practice this technique along the eastern (hilly) portion of Terry Hershey Park. It works great especially with families with children. The kids always slow the parents down. As you can see the best I can do is to race and beat child cyclists.
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