Around the time I registered, I quickly realized that something had to change with my "training" methods. I had been focused on getting in more miles, hoping to be running 50-60 miles per week, but I just didn't feel good. Many runs were of poor quality. My legs were constantly tight. And my breathing was not smooth. That's when I figured I should be prepared to switch races, and rather than focus on running more miles I should focus on feeling strong.
I stared doing core exercises, push ups, leg exercises, stretching, foam rolling, using "the stick", and icing my legs. Now I've been running for a long time, so I know all this stuff is important. But here's the deal, I'm time limited and figure I should do what I want when I have the time, which is run. Obviously though, running was becoming less fun, so something had to change.
Anyway, all that leads me to this awesome long run I ran with AM this past weekend. She mentioned us doing a long run together, which sounded great in theory, but she's a lot faster than me (and I'm not exactly at my best right now). But I really enjoy running with her, so I figured I'd run with her for as long as I could and if I had to send her off after 10 miles so be it.
The day came and I was nervous. We met up and started running. And It was awesome! We just ran. We talked and ran. The pace was fairly consistent, it did get a little faster towards the end. We did 20 miles at 7:45 pace. And I felt good! I was tired of course, but not any more tired than I usually get. I was a little sore the next day, but just a little.
I did a slow recovery run on Sunday. My legs were still a bit tired on Monday so I ran slow again, but I'm pretty sure I'll be running the marathon now. Hopefully AM and I will meet up for some more long runs too!
Completely unrelated, here's a pic of my little Emily.
5 comments:
You and AM make a dangerously fast duo. Way to "send her on her way" for the 2nd half... ;)
Katie, yes, we must do this again. How about the first weekend in September (since I am gone this Sat and you are the next)? I need to do 22, but I can do the last 2 alone if you want, or I can meet you at your in laws and run 20 from there.
I am AMAZED by our run, and jealous you recovered so well:) It took me 2 easy days, but I am back!
Emily is gorgeous, just like mama! How can one get upset with such a beautiful baby, even when said baby does not sleep?
oh wow! that you attempted to run with AM, "out of shape" - well, just wow! and then you ran it like a rock star. one of those runs to remember. You always remember the really good ones and the really bad ones, right?
I would be nervous to run with speedy AM too but man you smoked that run! Great job!I bet you could totally rock that marathon if you can pull 7:45 in a training 20. What a sweet little baby!!
Nice run, Katie! AM would make a tough long run partner. You did well!
Love your post baby race times. Fantastic!
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