I finally did it. It took me about 3 ½ months after training for Boston to feel ready to be on a real training schedule again. But last week I took the plunge and started back at it. The BAA Half Marathon on October 9 is my next long race and I’d rather be ready for it than not. So here we go again.
Hills, track workouts, goal pace runs. How did I feel this week? Well, tired, sore, frustrated, hungry, oh, and really sweaty during all these workouts. But also really proud after each one. I figured the first 2-3 weeks are going to be tough. OK, the next 7 weeks are going to be tough, who am I kidding. I’ve become really comfortable with my nice 8:20 pace. And that would be great if I was training for a marathon with a goal of running 3:40:00 this fall. But I’m not. And while it has been nice to run when and how I have wanted the last few months, I’m also getting a little bored.
Jumping right into runs with miles at 35-75 seconds faster than those previous runs takes some physical and mental adjustments. So I tried to cut myself some slack for not being where I want to be, while also pushing through each workout this week. And to be honest, for the most part, I met the goals of each run. Where I didn’t, I have something to aim for in the upcoming weeks.
Tonight was 6 miles with 12x400 on the track. Just the number 12 frightened me, never mind that it was to be run at 5K pace. I procrastinated starting my workout. I reset my alarm after it went off this morning, convincing myself that I'd run better in the evening, and I should get some extra sleep. I eventually made it out. The track is different at 6:30pm versus 6:30am. I dodged several scooters, dogs and footballs that made their way across the infield and onto the track. However, despite a bit of a slow warm-up, I actually did my 12x400, and a bit better than I had expected.
Last Wednesday, I also began a run club at the Whole Foods in Newtonville. As they prepare for their 5K on September 18, several mix1 has partnered with several Whole Foods locations to help folks train, or just find a new place and group to run with. Although the group was small, it was nice to run with some folks I have not seen in a while. A big thanks to Ellen and Amy for joining the run. I’m hoping over the next few Wednesdays a few more folks will be tempted to join me, either for the new route, good company, free mix1 or great prepared foods section at Whole Foods for a post-run dinner.
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