Long Run Fun

Today I went for a run and nailed a half marathon in pretty cold weather. I’m not going to lie – this weather is taking its toll on me! I can do cold, but windy, cold is a different story. I missed out running with the DHS Squad on Saturday and almost missed this run when my alarm sounded at 6am. I rolled over and stayed in bed until 7am only because the temperature read 28 feels like 18. I just didn’t have it in me to get up and moving despite mapping out another new, fun route. So I slept until 7am, drank some coffee, hung out with my daughter and watched the morning news.

My husband had a trail run planned and it was tempting to tag along with him instead of tackling a long run. I mean trail running would be a solid workout too! Instead I kept with my goal, laced up and got out the door. The first loop was familiar as I hung around the area I normally run, but then headed up Bel Air Road to Chapel Hill before turning towards Snyder Lane. I mapped a zig zag between streets, rolling hills and uncharted roads – and by chance passed this awesome mural!

Luckily by 10:30 the sun was shining and warming the route and my hands. There was still a breeze that was biting in the shade, but it only helped to keep me moving along. Overall I crushed some killer hills, beat the cold and had some awesome tunes throughout my run to keep me moving. I was pretty consistent with pacing and left two fast miles to end! Sometimes getting lost in a new run with a new soundtrack is just what you need. And let’s be real, I was rocking my nike vest, some warm tights, my NYC hat and a sweet pair of goodr sunglasses that left me feeling like a rockstar. Sometimes a good outfit gets you out the door too.

This run was needed. I needed a solo run, needed new views and needed to have some good self talk to work through these hills. The saying is true, you never regret a run once it’s done – only a run you choose not to do.

Bittersweet Harbor 12

Today I went for a run on what would have been my 40th marathon in Tucson. This year has had many pits, but also many blessings in disguise. Although I am devastated to not be in Arizona seeing my first tall cactus and celebrating a desert terrain run, I am thankful for the many great “instead of” moments that have occurred this year.

First, I’ve checked off many bucket list runs – many runs and challenges I would never, ever have dreamt of doing if I was in a regular training cycle. Including – The Yeti 50k 24 hour challenge, 100k in a week, 200 mile month, covering over 30 miles of a coastline in two runs, charity virtual runs with teammates, my fastest unofficial 5k, and so many new routes. I’m thankful for trying new things and not allowing negative self talk to talk myself out of runs

Second, I’m finally comfortable in just being the runner that I am. I don’t need virtual runs to stay motivated. Instead I just need a goal that makes me happy and feel accomplished. 40 by 40 really means the world to me being a goal ten years in the making!!! Despite my climbing age, I’m wearing tighter shorts because I can stash my phone and not miss capturing an awesome running moment. Being able to allow myself to have my own goals and not feel FOMO or pressured to run a certain way has been refreshing.

Third, I’ve made new running friends, kept in touch with old and value my solo runs that have been MANY! I’ve enjoyed running while my injured husband biked. I’ve stayed in touch with co-workers by early morning runs before virtual teaching. I’ve run marathons with long time friends and plan to take a new marathon next week solo. Its been a great way to enjoy the run however it comes with whoever is there. It has even been nice running at different times so I could enjoy breakfast with the kids, late night family movie nights or whatever else might be missed by a regular running routine. And I’ve cherished watching teammates and others in the running community who are still on the hunt for a new run or race – feeling inspired by the next ‘what if?’

And lastly I’ve enjoyed each new turn and adventure – even if it’s only been a new speedwork run, new shoes, a new hydration plan, or a fun new pair of sunglasses or hat. My super exciting news is that I was selected to be part of the Alter Ego running team as a hat ambassador. It’s more than taking a photo with a hat – it is the journey and adventure you crave each run you begin. Just like Clark Kent has his branded S and hidden cape, I have my ponytail, trusted shoes and hat. We both take on that invinsible feeling as we flip our roles and take on our alter ego. I’m ready to see where my hat takes me and what adventures await in 2021.

Today I hit the harbor with two friends for a twelve miler. We stayed along the promenade, recharged near the Domino’s Sugar Factory and dodged puddles and wind gusts. It was a cloudy start, but eventually the sun peaked through to wake up the city.

I’ve missed these harbor views, fun conversation and energy of a solid run. We had negative splits, maybe with the help of the wind, but it felt good.

We shared stories, random thoughts and problem solved ALL the unanswered questions. It was just what I needed to remind me that even though I was not in Tucson completing my 40th marathon I was still doing what I loved in a familiar spot and loving the scenes of the city where I sarted my marathon running journey.

Marathon Training is ON!

Today I went for a run and I’m back. I never left, but most of my voice went to trying social media to share my journey. I’ve learned this is still my favorite platform to share my journey. So today I went for a run and celebrated twenty miles that felt great! Let’s step back a second. Yesteday I signed up for the Valley Forge Marathon, an in person event, that seems likely! A real race!!! With marathon 38 penciled in as a live event, I laced up this morning ready to go and was not disappointed. After being away I finally took to the streets around my house for my long run. I decided to divide my run into three loops making it easy to refill my water once it started getting hot. It worked perfectly; however, I ended up chugging Gatorade before my last loop leaving me a little sloshy in my stomach for two miles.I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect sunrise run. My long runs lately have been sluggish and tough. To mix things up I’ve run while my husband biked along with me, I tried solo runs, morning and night runs, but in the end I felt heavy. Maybe I just needed to be where things were familiar and with a goal finally penciled in. I paused on Gerst to take in the sun which now had made its way above the horizon and was beginning to pull back the misty, nighttime blanket. I was pretty happy to have my phone to take a picture. To paraphrase a favorite marathon training quote, savor the process and the journey that gets you to the finish line because they are worth more than crossing a makeshift finish.