The Long Way Home
This post will be about running.
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Today, the schedule called for an 11 mile run. Last week I did 10 (on the treadmill, oh man, somebody shoot me!), and the week before was 8.5. I was confident that I could complete the run, but mentally I was very resistant. I just didn't wanna.
Hubby plotted a course for me that took me in a circuitous route around the south portion of our city. We are fortunate to have around 80 miles of running and cycling trails to work with, here. I have biked something like this before, so I was familiar with most of the course.
I tried not to think about this run during worship service this morning. I tried to focus on the book of 1 Peter during Sunday school and NOT the run. I found out that one of our team mates from Market to Market will be pacing the 2:15 group for the half marathon that I signed up for in May...and then I couldn't NOT think about today's run!
After church, the weather was just gorgeous for a run, about 45 degrees and no wind. I wouldn't have minded some sunshine, but in January in Nebraska that would have been way to much to ask for. I tried to look at the beauty of the city, convince myself that this was fun, blah, blah, blah.
After mile 3, I got out my headphones and turned on the music. I normally don't run with music, but today I just couldn't stand the sound of my footfalls or the bouncing of my hydration pack.
By mile 5, I finally got my groove. I started the slow climb up South 48th Street, and took in the sights of my old stomping grounds. I thought about being a kid in that neighborhood and prayed for some folks that used to live next door when I was growing up.
I popped in to a convenience store about mile 6 to use the potty and fill up my water. I hadn't drank very much yet, because it was so cool outside. I tied my shoe and all told, probably spent 2 minutes in there. The12 year old kid running the register wished me "good running" and I was off again.
I was supposed to turn west on Pioneers Blvd, but forgot and ran all the way down to the trail that runs along Highway 2. I didn't realize this for quite some time, and by that time it would have been pointless to back track or reroute. I headed to where the trail turned north and was at about mile 8.
Those last 3 miles I felt good. Really, really good. Good enough to run miles 9, 10 and 11 at faster and faster paces. This is called running negative splits, if you care. I did start to have a hot spot on the ball of my right foot by the last mile or so, but that has been "the pain" for this training cycle. I ignore it for the most part.
When I had completed 11 miles, I was at the Lincoln Children's Zoo, and sadly still 1.5 miles from home. I text hubby so he wouldn't worry (he figured on me being gone 2 hours) and he came and picked me up. As soon as I started walking, and cooling down, I started to get cold. I was glad to see him! I'm sure I could have run the rest of the way home, but it was nice to be cared for. :)
This was the fastest I've ever run this distance and the fastest average pace for anything over a 10k (6.2 miles). I even beat my average pace for 10 miles from last week by :35/mile. Being outdoors vs. being on the treadmill probably has something to do with that!
Feeling pretty darn confident. This next week is a low mileage week to give my body time to recover. I will just be doing some slow 4 milers and of course getting in my swimming, spinning and yoga! All praise God for the safety and health I was afforded today.
Now, what's to eat around here?
Still reading?
Today, the schedule called for an 11 mile run. Last week I did 10 (on the treadmill, oh man, somebody shoot me!), and the week before was 8.5. I was confident that I could complete the run, but mentally I was very resistant. I just didn't wanna.
Hubby plotted a course for me that took me in a circuitous route around the south portion of our city. We are fortunate to have around 80 miles of running and cycling trails to work with, here. I have biked something like this before, so I was familiar with most of the course.
I tried not to think about this run during worship service this morning. I tried to focus on the book of 1 Peter during Sunday school and NOT the run. I found out that one of our team mates from Market to Market will be pacing the 2:15 group for the half marathon that I signed up for in May...and then I couldn't NOT think about today's run!
After church, the weather was just gorgeous for a run, about 45 degrees and no wind. I wouldn't have minded some sunshine, but in January in Nebraska that would have been way to much to ask for. I tried to look at the beauty of the city, convince myself that this was fun, blah, blah, blah.
After mile 3, I got out my headphones and turned on the music. I normally don't run with music, but today I just couldn't stand the sound of my footfalls or the bouncing of my hydration pack.
By mile 5, I finally got my groove. I started the slow climb up South 48th Street, and took in the sights of my old stomping grounds. I thought about being a kid in that neighborhood and prayed for some folks that used to live next door when I was growing up.
I popped in to a convenience store about mile 6 to use the potty and fill up my water. I hadn't drank very much yet, because it was so cool outside. I tied my shoe and all told, probably spent 2 minutes in there. The
I was supposed to turn west on Pioneers Blvd, but forgot and ran all the way down to the trail that runs along Highway 2. I didn't realize this for quite some time, and by that time it would have been pointless to back track or reroute. I headed to where the trail turned north and was at about mile 8.
Those last 3 miles I felt good. Really, really good. Good enough to run miles 9, 10 and 11 at faster and faster paces. This is called running negative splits, if you care. I did start to have a hot spot on the ball of my right foot by the last mile or so, but that has been "the pain" for this training cycle. I ignore it for the most part.
When I had completed 11 miles, I was at the Lincoln Children's Zoo, and sadly still 1.5 miles from home. I text hubby so he wouldn't worry (he figured on me being gone 2 hours) and he came and picked me up. As soon as I started walking, and cooling down, I started to get cold. I was glad to see him! I'm sure I could have run the rest of the way home, but it was nice to be cared for. :)
This was the fastest I've ever run this distance and the fastest average pace for anything over a 10k (6.2 miles). I even beat my average pace for 10 miles from last week by :35/mile. Being outdoors vs. being on the treadmill probably has something to do with that!
Feeling pretty darn confident. This next week is a low mileage week to give my body time to recover. I will just be doing some slow 4 milers and of course getting in my swimming, spinning and yoga! All praise God for the safety and health I was afforded today.
Now, what's to eat around here?
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