Well people I did it. No - not a monumental race or a spectacular p.b. but simply put a training run. I ran 27k this morning. Anyone who has trained for a marathon must be thinking big deal - I hope you're running 27k your ARE planning to run 42.2 if you want to finish a marathon- duh!
What made this run feel like an accomplishment was the fact that I ran the 27k in one run. Because I have been taking a half marathon clinic and due to family obligations and schedule conflicts I have been splitting my long run in half. I will go out with the half marathon group and run our 'long' run then come home and then go out again in the afternoon and run the remainder of my marathon long distance run.
The above method allows me to get my total marathon mileage in, but gives me a huge and unrealistic break in my long run. I have also been running the first part of the long run distance at a much faster pace than my marathon pace, but still slower than my half marathon pace. Its making sense in my head although I'd understand if your eye's are glazing over.
I ran this training run with Rick, Tracey and Simon. These peeps are my original running friends so it was like old times being out with them. I hadn't realized how much I missed their humor and being able to say whatever was on my mind at the time. It certainly makes running that distance easier.
I also forgot to send out a huge congratulations to these three plus two others - Gina and Larry for an awesome race couple of weeks ago. Rick and Simon raced the Guelph Lake duathalon, Larry raced the tri-sprint and Tracey and Gina raced the try-a-tri. Everyone did amazing especially considering they were competing in less than ideal conditions. For some reason, the weather was uncharacteristically hot and humid for that time of year. I want to send an extra special congratulations to Gina and Tracey who placed second and third respectively in their age categories. You guys rock!
So remember yesterday how I told you part of the training schedule was a few 10k races. Well I'm about to race 10k in a few hours and I'm freaking out. Like I mentioned yesterday I haven't raced anything under a half marathon distance in over a year and the last time I raced 10k I left everything I had on the course and only beat my p.b. by a minute.
I have been trying to calm my nerves with positive self talk, inner warrior visualization, past life regression (kidding) but I can't calm down. Here's the deal, I have given presentations - albeit not many and always with another co-worker but nonetheless stood up and talked to more than 50 people and not felt this anxiety. I know I'm not going to win this race. In fact there are only 2 age categories 29 and under and 30 and over, so I won't be placing. So what's the deal?
I think I actually put my finger on it a few minutes ago. I am putting myself out there. I know I "put myself out there" here, but if you're reading this chances are I've told you about it or you stumbled across it. I have no illusions about my following on the Internet. But for races, all people have to do is google my name and up pop my results. Bam! There I am. I can't exaggerate these results. They've been measured and I'm accountable for them. Do people really care - I doubt it. Do I care - hell yeah. Those results back me up to being a tough runner. I can say I have ran a 23 minute 5k. Those sites prove it. Its time to go... putting myself on the line.
The day after.....
May I present to you.... the world's smallest medal.
I ended up finishing third in the 30+ age category.
I started this race feeling great at an easy pace. The course was an out and back on a rail trail with some very stone dusty spots. (Yes - I did just invent that term). I cautiously passed all but one female by the first kilometre. I was the second female until 8.5k. I couldn't keep my pace. There were two women chatting away behind me and I let them go. I ended up finishing in 55:07. Not a great time and not a p.b. but this does give me a base to work from. Next race Laurier Loop... will it be easier... doubt it. Will I feel great after.... for sure.
Okay.... I took it easy this summer.... really easy. I ate, drank and was merry. I still ran, but not as much as usual. But I am back into the swing of things. I have signed up for a half marathon clinic and am just ending week four. The focus of this clinic is more speed based than distance based which is a bit of a departure from my previous training schedule. But all of this is good for me... at least that's what I keep telling myself. Actually I am enjoying pushing myself more than I had through the summer. It does give me a sense of accomplishment to make it to the top of my sixth hill and realize that I am not going to throw up despite how I felt at the mid way point.
I had mentioned a while ago that I would be running a full marathon in Greece this fall. So I have been trying to do the half marathon clinic and attempt to get my long run distance in over the weekend. So far its going ok. I think I mentioned that I will be running the marathon with Rick and Tracey. Tracey described our "race plan" perfectly - as a sight seeing tour. That's exactly how I'm looking at it. I still have enough respect for the marathon distance to know that I need to get my long training runs in as well. Its all about balance... and maintaining my sanity. I know their company will help during the race.
The other side of training, this summer I got really serious about yoga. I signed up for an early morning class Thursdays at 6 am. I've decided to continue with that class and take another one - vinyasa flow. I am totally excited. I have just completed the Yoga Journal 21 day challenge as well. Three weeks of yoga everyday. I can't believe how much better my whole body feels. Here is the link http://21daychallenge.yogajournal.com/ in case anyone is interested in checking it out.
Back to the running side of things. I have a few races before my half marathon and marathon planned. I'll fill you in on them as I complete them. It will be interesting after over a year of not running any distance under 21k how I do in a 10k again. I'll keep you posted...
