Feeling extraordinary. 13 miles.
Stats
- 13 miles (step back week)
- 2 hours 30 minutes 53 seconds (11:30 pace)
- # of times around Wakefield lake: 2 (a long time ago, I could barely walk it once!)
- # of battle wounds: 2 (Ok. I am being melodramatic; but I did get 2 blood blisters. And they were not fun.)
- # people trying to race with me: 1
- # of times I passed this person while he was out of breath: a bunch
- # of times I felt empowered by my strength to stay on track with my pace: infinite
And… we’re back!
This week, I am celebrating! I celebrate my return to training. I’ve been plagued for the last 2 months with excruciating shin splints that have essentially kept me out of my running shoes for 3 weeks (aside from the 16-miler that I did on the 12th.) I’ve had to supplement my running with spinning: 1 class for a short run, 2 classes for a 7 or 8 miler, and 3+ hours of spinning for long runs.
It hasn’t been easy; and I’ve found myself discouraged at my inability to keep my body together. Why can’t I just stay healthy so I can go through training as scheduled? The truth is, it rarely happens as you want it. My coach, Rick Muhr, reminds me of that each time he senses that I’m down. The true test is how well you can adapt and keep it from affecting your determination. So I’ve spun my little butt off in these past 3 weeks, determined to stay on track and in shape.
It worked. 🙂
This 13-mile run was utter joy. I felt good. I felt strong. I felt like all of the training had truly paid off. The benefits of my dedication were evident in the ease of my stride and breath. There was no struggle. I didn’t let the crazy man who was trying to race me affect my concentration or my pace, and after running the Wakefield lake TWICE, an enormous sense of pride ran through me. I remembered a time not long ago when walking the lake ONCE was a truly difficult task. I have changed.
I’ll be honest with you; I took more frequent walk breaks this time. I’d been so preoccupied in the past with time that I just wanted to go back to running for comfort. I did this to preserve my legs for what is to come. I knew if I pushed it, my shin splints would flare up again and not heal in time for this next crucial long runs. At this point in training, I can’t afford to take any more time off or I will be insufficiently prepared.
But guess what? With more frequent walk breaks, I finished in the SAME amount of time as it took me the last time I did 13… and I didn’t stop for water or a snack. Even better? My shins hurt minimally the following day and were good as new by Tuesday.
I know I can do this. It won’t be easy; but as Coach Rick said, “If it were easy, then everyone would train for a marathon.”
I guess I am a champion, in my own small way. And that makes me feel extraordinary 🙂
Yes! Awesome!
So happy for you, dear 🙂 Run with you soon, I hope?
Thank you, Kate! Yes I intend to come tomorrow. I am a little bit scared, since my last real long run was 16 miles… but I am just going to take it really slowly 🙂
See you tomorrow?
Ahh! The Wakefield Lake is my FAVORITE!! I run there during my lunch break all summer! Except this summer I’ll be able to run the whole thing…and more than once, too. 🙂 Perfect 10K, that’ll be!
How did you run 13 miles and not have water or anything? I have to carry a camelbak or I hit a wall at mile 8. Good for you! You ran my half marathon distance this weekend!
Hi Trisha!
Yes, the Wakefield Lake is a great run! How is your training going? Staying healthy?
I did carry water with me, so I wasn’t completely without! I usually take a stop at the store for some gatorade, which I didn’t do this time around in an attempt to keep my pacing steady to see if I could do it without a pause!
Hope training has been going well for you!
Training is going great, thanks! Obe more long run, then I start tapering after next week. Can’t wait! How are you feeling about getting to your 20? I’m excited for you!
awesome!!!!! So excited for you!!!
After the tough experience I had in my 19, I am a little nervous for the 20. But I think I’ve learned a few things, so I bet it will be a great run! We shall see 🙂 When is your half??
Half is April 3. I can’t wait. Training has been challenging though…i can’t imagine doing a full marathon. I love love love to run, but 20 miles? Ouch! It’s hard stuff…I hope you’ll never forget what kind of great feat you’re accomplishing. 🙂