Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Where did my baby go!

One of my little ladies just had another birthday. And, wow, it is shocking how big she is now. She is this whole little package of a big person. Sure, sure, you're thinking I make absolutely no sense, but it's perfectly clear in my mind how she's a big little person, or wait, maybe she's a little big person...okay, maybe it's not so clear in my mind. I do know, however, that she was once a baby (not so very long ago), but in a few short weeks she'll be going to Kindergarten. And that, my friends, is just crazy! If I blink my eyes, I might just find that I have a teenager on my hands. Though, it seems to me, that Kaylee already has some teenager traits, but that's a story for another day.

Anyway, It's approximately 9.5 weeks until the big marathon, which is sort of cool because now I'm in the single digits of how many weeks of training are left. And when one really thinks about it, it's actually only 6.5 weeks because there's that whole tapering thing that happens. So yeah, things are looking promising. Last week I ran 64 miles, which was the plan. This week I'll be aiming for 71-73 miles depending on how the three hour long run goes on Sunday. Having to run the long runs slow drives me crazy in a way, but it's also nice (sort of). With warm humid weather, hilly loops, and my massive increase in mileage having permission to run slower for the long run is nice. It would be nicer, however, if there was someone else to run with (which I'm sure is a hope/dream/desire most runners have). I find the long run to be especially boring when run slow and with no company.

Overall, though, training is coming along. I might be adjusting to the mileage increase. (Key word, might.) Some days are definitely better than others. My 5K speed has definitely left me for the time being. Intervals that I could run a few months ago, I can't run now. (Like I would fly off the treadmill and into the wall if I tried.) But, and this is crucial, the tempo paces that I've been maintaining I couldn't do a few months ago. So, something is definitely changing, and change can be good...


6 comments:

Raina said...

You are doing amazing Katie! Look at how much mileage you are putting in. The slow long run... It is helpful to have something beautiful to look at while you run. :) Or some slow music :D
Your daughter is getting so grown up! Where does the time go?
Looking forward to the last 9 weeks!! It's coming soon! You will be ready :)

Ana-Maria RunTriLive said...

Oh, I forgot that our kiddos share a birthday. And I always joke that my son was born a teenager. Ha! Kailee is beautiful! And your training is amazing. Yes, you are doing kick a$$ tempos. You could PR your HM right now. I wish I could run with you but my 2 mile runs would be of no use now, ha! In the winter! Super excited for your marathon!

Karen said...

Your daughter is adorable. Love the outfit :)

All your miles now will make you even stronger when you do return to 5Ks. You might need to sharpen your speed a little, but I bet you'll end up even faster once you do so.

Katie said...

@Raina: Thanks! My long run route is actually very pretty, which is partly why I don't care that it's hilly (and it definitely does help).

@AM: I remembered that the kiddos had the same birthday! We should get them together at some point. I bet they'd be directing each other all over the place!

@Karen: Yes, the outfit. Let me just say that Kaylee is definitely her own little person. She actually got that hat on her birthday. She had been begging us for it for at least a month...

Michelle said...

Do you listen to anything while running? On long runs I really like to listen to a combination of podcasts and music. Podcasts to start the run keeps me slower than usual. Then I switch to music the second half when I need the faster tempo to pick me up and keep me going.

My youngest is starting kindergarten today. Blows me away.

Jenn said...

Happy birthday to your little sweetheart!! Kindergarten!!! Ahhh-big steps! You will have a teenager in NO time....Gosh, I have a high schooler who was just in kindergarten last year.....

Super job on the mileage!!! I have SO much trouble doing slower long runs without company. Too impatient!!!

Your last paragraph. Yes, change can be good!! Excited to see where this change takes you in a few short weeks!!