This Merry-go-round has Speed Bumps

28 PAX (though check the list, missing 1) ~~read the PreBlast and~~ posted at the weekly running interval workout known as Swift. This week, we were back on a Merry-go-Round, but a much boxier one, as our quest for quiet streets in the Ballantyne area found the area known as the Brixham Green.

The THANG:

#PreBlast – Brixham Green 400s

The Moleskin:

A more formal attempt to get the PAX to stick with at least one partner had mixed results. Suggested three groups based on your “Work” interval pace for the workout. 1) 6:00/mi and under, 2) 6:00-7:00/mi, 3) 7:00-8:00+. Thank you to Ringer and Cheddar for leading groups today. Objective is to get PAX to start each interval together which: gives someone to chase, gives someone to chat and recover with, puts eyes on every PAX at the workout for safety reasons, and so you don’t run by yourself because YHC finds that boring. If you didn’t find yourself in a group, then there are options – drop back to find PAX behind you, cut the recovery distance short (there was a way today to cut through the lot instead of going all of the way around), invite PAX at the workout to form a group, or invite a FNG that you know will be the same speed and run with them. Provide feedback in comments for this type of format. It helps when we do distance-based intervals. Time-based intervals are good for other reasons, and we
When we got to the Brixham Green at 0530, the Q expected PAX to be stretching, talking, or exploring the bushes, but NOT doing warm-up drills already. Why? Because the PreBlast said so… Either Read the PreBlast or get frustrated about the Q’s lack of pre-workout instructions on-site. We know that FastTwitch doesn’t need a PreBlast because they’re scared PAX won’t show once they know what they’re going to get, but Swift has a PreBlast to keep PAX in the know, provide recommendations, and when the warm-up deviates from the norm, all of the PAX know.
Somehow the Group 1 of 6:00/mi and under didn’t get the message that you don’t get extra credit for pulling all of the PAX through in a 5:00/mi pace. It was a fast group today, and YHC felt left behind and slow until looking at the splits later. For YHC, it was actually encouraging and right on track, and now we know there are some really fast mile times about to get laid down in a Time Trial yet to be determined. Pretty sure that in Area51 we’ve only had 1 PAX (Frasier) go under 5:00 in a 1600m time trial put on by either Swift, FastTwitch, MountainGoat, the PAX-Olympics, or TigerRag’s 2016 BRR Free Range try-outs, but several PAX including the aforementioned Frasier, along with Fahvra, Haggis, ThinMint, and HoneyBee were routinely under the 5:00/mi pace today. The rest of Group 1 wasn’t much behind either with Hairball, Bunker, Teddy (yes, there was a Teddy sighting – KOTTERS!), and DocMcStuffins for a bit.
Group 2 was nipping at the heels of Group 1 all morning. Someone didn’t want to get in any recovery, or they really weren’t far behind in speed (they weren’t). Strong group led by Ringer had the PAX forgoing the suggested PreBlast recommendation of 7 400s and pushed on to join Group 1 for the last one and make 8. Let’s hope the PAX survive the stairs later in the day. YHC’s legs would get a little shaky at times coming down the little “hill” to the finish, and only focusing on form and that finishing speed bump helped keep it together. Apparently Rebar got tricked into thinking that the White speedbump was just a white line and took a spill…or his fellow PAX forgot to call out the speedhumps (the non-painted and longer road obstructions) for him along the way. Pro-tip – all of the bumps/humps have an inside passing lane that is clear of any toe-stubbing elevation changes. Fortunately the polished asphalt provided a slide surface for Rebar, for there are much worse surfaces to fall on. Ice up Son!
Group 3 led by Cheddar was a tight-knit group, but I have no idea of their results since Strava is down “due to maintenance”. Don’t they know we’re trying to do Backblasts on our lunch break! YHC recalls Tootie was getting in his “work” intervals, and Chipotle was back for another week and this time dragged Fireman Ed out of his offseason slumber (must have a marathon coming up next week and needs to prepare).
Dolphin and HoneyBee showed up at about the same time, but don’t know if Dolphin had the same excuse as HoneyBee, who was doing Mr. Clean sponsored surprise bathroom inspections at the gas station and CVS all morning.
Kudos to FireHazard for knowing when to take it easy to not extend his stint on the IR, but encouraging the PAX while he’s out there.
TR didn’t show because of the restraining order that Teddy took out on him. His ankle bracelet would have been going off, so not sure if that would have been motivation or a distraction.
Welcome to FNG Prius (Kyle H) who was EH’d by Rebar. Apparently he likes big trucks and Tonka was already taken.

Announcements:

Wall Rebuild – 3/11 0800 at Providence Presbyterian, Sign-up coming
F3Dads Camping Trip – 3/11 overnight, place TBD, 2.0s and Dads, Stay tuned to #F3Dads Slack channel
New 3rdF at Stonecrest Chickfila follows The Maul workout at 0630 on Wednesdays starting 3/8
March Pullup and Merkin Challenge – PreBlast = http://f3nation.com/2017/02/26/pre-blast-march-pull-up-merkin-challenge/