Being fertile is a mixed bag. On one hand, any fitness planted is liable to immediately take root, and spread like an invasive weed. But on the other hand, seeds of doubt and discord are more easily sown. Folks, right now I’m a Nile Delta of fear and loathing. Fatigue, faltering confidence, and the very plausible notion that this won’t work out have all descended upon poor ol’ Paul.

Monday, March 27th

Four awful miles. Felt like I needed to be taken to the glue factory.

Tuesday, March 28th

Seven even slower miles. The wheels are falling off.

Wednesday, March 29th

Jogged to the track and just floundered around through a series of nonsensical reps. Had to be shipped home in a body bag.

Thursday, March 30th

It was windy outside, and speculating that the gusting air around me was causing my malaise, I jogged on a treadmill. To no avail.

Friday, March 31st

Back on the treadmill, this time to approximate a workout. One mile slogging warm-up, three miles at 5:15 pace. Several minutes of dry heaving.

Saturday, April 1st

Only made it two miles on this run…

Sunday, April 2nd

Jogged seven miles then went to the track for some snappy 200s. Started around 31, got down to 27. Might have ripped my sinewy hamstrings straight from the bone.

It would appear, that I’ve “really stepped in it.” There’s a reason nobody trains this hard. Because it’s impossible. I’m a runaway train on the fast track toward a barn fire right now. I’d guess my chances at successes sit around 30%. Unless I am able to track down those performance enhancing drugs I’ve heard so much about, this dream is destined for the pipes.

---

This is the ninth post in a series by Paul chronicling his journey to break the two-minute barrier in the 800 meters. Check out his previous post below:

Introducing Debajo Dos and one boy’s quest to run fast as heck

Inside Paul’s first week of training

Paul has an acute gout flare up scare

Paul’s biggest week of mileage yet

Paul suffers from Runner’s Amnesia in New York

Paul braves the elements and Albuquerque

Paul addresses the critics and doubters of his world record attempt

Debajo Dos: One month left of work

Debajo Dos: Paul’s fitness is lurking