800's???!!!!

Yasso 800's, that's what they're called.  Why do I do them?  Hmmmm, sometimes I can't remember why.  I'm no longer in college, no longer on scholarship, no longer in my 20's, so why?  Oh yes, I am trying to better my Boston qualifying time.  Focus. 

Today was 10 x 800's at the Duke track.  So thankful that four of my dearest friends joined me today, I couldn't have pushed through this workout without their presence (2 of them stayed with me and did all 10!!)  First 800:  finished at 3:22.  Too fast.  Second one: 3:27.  Still too fast, but better.  Third one:  3:32.  Perfect, now to keep that pace until number 9....  Last one:  3:31.

Mind over matter, pushing through negative thoughts, running into the cold wind, hat blowing off the head, trying to stay focused, watching strange college students warm up.... that's what today was about.  Some days I question myself.  Why would I put myself through this misery?  I'm 39, I'm old, I'm slow, I'm way past this, on and on it goes.  Today, with the help of the ladies, I could push those thoughts aside and just fly through the wind as if I was winning some prize at the end.  If running these 800's gets me faster, then all this pain will have been worth its while.  If not, then I'll figure out plan B. 

I just need 5 minutes.  Just 5 minutes knocked off my last marathon time. It's doable, right?  I can do this.  5 minutes is all I need.