Wednesday Tempo

Today I went for a run and picked up the pace after two weeks of easy running and recovery. Humidity has hovered in the area and made running a little bit difficult the last few days. Team Ultra did speedwork yesterday, so I picked it up and did four – ten minute intervals today. I started out with the guys and then split to do my intervals solo. The first two intervals were hot, third my legs started to feel like lead and my last was running on fumes. I really thought about cutting it short and only completing three, but then reconsidered – because why not finish? How often do we start something and then cut it short because of a made up excuse or because we stay in our comfort zones. I could have easy cut it short and it was justified due to heat, but I stuck with it and I’m just a little bit more confident in myself because I didnt give up.

Tough Week

Today I went for a run after taking it easy for the week due to a calf/achillies issue. Last Saturday I went for a 15-18 mile run and called it quits after 16. After only one mile my achillies balled up and a tense muscle pain overcame my lower leg for the entire run. It was a tough run because I felt fine all week and there was nothing new about this run that could cause this discomfort.

Overall we did two out and back loops to make 16 miles with a few walk breaks to help provide comfort when possible. Oddly enough we spotted a bat along our journey which was quite surprising to see in the Inner Harbor.

After we finished the run I iced, rolled and compressed my leg in hopes something would allivate the pain – it didn’t. On Tuesday things seemed better and I tried running again only getting a quarter mile into my run before the pain returned. Feeling defeated I cut the run short.

I guess this was a sign to take it easy this week. I’ve had a great summer, new runs, new places, and new miles. I’ve only started hitting 40-42 miles a week due to increasing long runs. My body must be longing for the spring weekly average of 25-30 miles. So I embraced it. (Something really hard for a runner – acceptance) Every runner fears being side-lined. Instead of ignoring my body, I listened – and thought I’ll try again later. I took the week to stretch, roll, take barre, and cycle at the gym. By Friday I gave it a whirl and ran with the guys at an easy pace. Although my leg was tight, it didnt ball up and cause pain. I took Saturday off and Sunday woke up eager to take on my long run!

Despite the intense humidity, we headed out and completed 13 miles around the harbor. By 13 miles humidity was taking its toll, yet I still felt good. The compression sleeve provided support and the easy pace kept my muscles from triggering pain. After we reached the car I headed up and decided to finish the run to get 15 done. After two miles I kept going and completed 5 miles to get a total of 18 miles done. The last 5 miles were hot, humid and felt like weights were dragging from my feet keeping them close to the ground. This is when your mind hits the wall. I thought about mile 23 in a race, when you’re near the finish with only a 5k to go – no sweat, right!? A 5k is nothing, but after 23 miles it feels like an eternity. I pushed through – thought about how much better I felt than the previous week and how lucky I am to be moving again. 18 miles done, my leg was sore, yet pain free and my mind battled the long run wall. Bring on a new week!

Ugly Run – You Can’t take that Away From Me.

Today I went for a run at 4am to try and beat the sun for my 15 mile run. I set the alarm for 3:30am; however, anxiety of sleeping through my alarm had me wide awake at 2:50am. As I moved through the quiet house pulling my running gear together I took a moment to check the weather, regrettably.

Despite the discouraging outlook, I laced up and walked out the door ready to take on the run – with the most positive attitude possible. I ran north on 35 in the bike lane and was fairly solo despite a few passing cars. Every time a car passed I jumped on the sidewalk to pause, nervous due to a recent accident that occurred with my friend who shattered her leg due to a tragic incident involving a drunk driver at 6:30am when she was running. I thought about turning around and sticking to the boardwalk and looping it thirteen times – no way. The recent news of her accident hit hard because it was such a surreal story that you think just can’t happen to you or someone you know. I continued on in the dim lighting, three miles in, drenched in sweat and already hoping the turn around point was soon. Despite the heat and sweat there was a bay breeze coming from the west, which helped to keep me, not as hot, maybe?

Finally I made it home with ten successful miles under my belt. Ready for a chilled gel and a refill of water. My pace was in a slow decline and motivation was lacking – this was turning out to be an ugly run. I went back out the door with a four mile loop in mind and headed south on 35. The sun was now starting to show and was going to be just above the horizon as I made it up to the boardwalk. At mile 12 I paused at our block and took in the view.

What a view it was. The calm ocean waves gently slapping the sand, a few people walking along the water and calmness. The challenges and struggle I was feeling on this run were not going away, but the calmness of this view came along with me for the rest of the run. An image can change an attitude and spirit in seconds. I finished the boardwalk, looped to the bay and made my way back to the house doing the five mile loop add on instead of four. Done. It was an ugly run, with lots of pauses, hesitation, and self doubt. The conditions were less than ideal and I really wanted to just end the run at ten miles. I’m glad I didn’t miss the sun over the ocean and happy to push through and check my run as “completed – with no excuses.”

Moonwalk Saturday

Today I went for a run on the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11’s landing on the moon and famous American moonwalk. The entire week has been a showcase of documentaries, interviews, artifact restoration and overall celebration of the first man to walk on the moon. I have to say, at times it has been difficult to walk away from the tv because some shows and news clips have been so engaging. Today also marks day five of this horrible heatwave and plans of me running a long run will have to be delayed. So instead, a quick four miles through the heat will have to do and hopefully I have the guts to get it done tomorrow. But in the meantime, I will continue to have way too much fun placing Neil Armstrong in my photos!

Heat Wave Continues

Today I went for a run in 100% humidity and 78 degrees starting temps. Despite my somewhat early start (only 7am) the air was thick and muggy from the previous day’s thunderstorms and current 4 day heatwave. I laced up for a run early because I was unable to get a run in yesterday due to the afternoon storms, so I gave up my chance to sleep in. Luckily the sun was rising, but a few clouds hung around giving me a partly cloud run with some shade. There have been a lot of article posted online lately about the effects of heat/humidity on training runs and the best advice I have found is: drink water before, during, after and listen to your body. In this heat if your body is just not that into it – stop! There is always another day, so don’t risk it!