On The Road Again

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us and with the rest of the holidays bearing down, the mileage continues to add up. Add in two business trips and we have tons of fun ahead!


Last week I ran another 30 mile week with a 15 mile long slow distance (LSD), tying my longest run in ten years. This week, on the advice of my body and my PT, I took Monday's 7 miles off and gave into a three day rest -- my longest since September. As the miles pile up, so do the aches and i noticed for the first time last week that my mental endurance was starting to wane. Time for a rest and to remember, all this training will be in vain if I can't make it to the start line of the marathon healthy. The goal is to complete the marathon, not just train for it.

I am still scheduled for nearly 30 miles for the week with an 18 mile LSD Saturday. I may continue to take Monday's off as my long run increases. Only another month and then the race taper begins, so this is still the time to remain mentally strong and vigilant.

These runs, no matter the difference, will be key to remaining sane over the next few weeks. Between the travel, the culmination of a large year-long project, and the holidays these runs may be the right tool to keeping the mounting stress in check.

As they say, keep calm and run on!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Moving under my own power

Floating on a Cloud

I have really grown to love running.

The reasons I run are many and change on an almost daily basis.  Some days I run to feel the wind through my hair.  Other times I run because I need to move.  But each time I am reminded every time how luck I am to be able to move, under my own power, in any direction my feet feel like taking me.  That feeling of my legs underneath me, rolling along almost by themselves -- like floating on a cloud. You runners out there know what I am talking about when I say you forget your legs are moving along and get lost in your thoughts and soak in the surroundings.

I know and enjoy the runner's high, but just as satisfying to me is achieving the zone where the pace feels easy, my body feels light, and I feel less and more.  I know those are opposite ends of the spectrum so let met explain.

When I start a run the small aches and pains in my foot, achilles, knee, calf, or quad conspire to convince me to stop. Why, my body asks, are we doing this when you could be snuggled in bed? I gauge the pain realize it is temperary and continue to run.  As the muscles and tendons loosen, I feel better and better.  I get stronger the longer I run.  Soon, I am floating along without a care and enjoying the moment. 

Less discomfort and pain and more feeling free and easy.  I try to cherish every run, but these moments are particularly sweet.