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July 19, 2005
Slow as molasses
I thought I felt prepared to push both mentally and physically to run a decent time at tonight's club 8k. But it was not to be. I warmed up for 3 miles on the course and felt fine even with the humidity. I thought about feeling strong on the hills and where I would pick up the pace on the return trip. The start was comical (afterward, that is) because we were waiting and swating in a humungous cloud of gnats - one got caught in my throat right as we started. I ran slower with the plan to gradually pick up the pace, but I only started to feel worse - sluggish and slow. An older man who I beat at the last two races kicked my butt, two weeks after running a marathon up a mountain. That was humbling. I shouldn't complain, though. R. had an especially rough race because he donated blood (double red) a few days ago and wasn't completely recovered. He said that he felt like he hit the wall at mile 1.5. Yeesh. After the race and making sure R. was okay, I cooled down for 2 miles - making it 10 for the day.
I'm frustrated with myself, of course, but all I can do is train as hard as I can and hope that this summer of suffering will pay off come October. I don't think I'll beat my 7:36 marathon PR pace, I hate to admit it, but I need to be honest with myself. I will use my late summer half marathons to gauge what I hope to run at Chicago, and I'll just keep chipping away until I can attain my goals. The challenge and love of the sport will definitely keep me coming back (and putting off other things like the triathlon). I keep eyeballing the JFK 50 mile website too, but we'll have to see about that. How much punishment do I want to inflict upon myself this year?
Other workouts....yesterday, I ran 8 easy miles and swam one mile - 5 laps warm up, 5 x 5 laps with one minute rest, and the last two laps (at 25m intervals) at full "sprint". This morning, I lifted upper body and a teeny bit of lower body.
I do have some positive career news that I'll share at some point, but for now, I must finish up some work and get to bed before I turn into a pumpkin!
Posted by Leilani at July 19, 2005 11:40 PM
Comments
Leilani, you are not slow as molasses!!! Hope that helps. It's just nice to hear a confirmation of it sometimes. This weather sucks the life out of runners :)
Posted by: Audrey at July 20, 2005 07:17 AM
The weather yesterday definitely took its toll on anyone who was brave enough to attempt any outdoor exercise. The fact that you entered a race is a testament to your determination. Your marathon goal will come to you in time, have fun and you'll get there.
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at July 20, 2005 11:47 AM
I hope you get a break from the heat soon, that sounds unbearable!
Good luck with the long term stuff, I am sure at some point you will be able to run a great marathon.
And congratulations on your career news in advance!
Posted by: Barb at July 20, 2005 12:10 PM
I think you are exactly right...you just need to keep chipping away and it will come! It's hard to wait for it - especially for inpatient people such as myself...but if you focus on the journey, it's all worth it. And just think...come October...you're gonna feel like a million bucks! :)
Can't wait to hear the good career news... :)
Posted by: Beth at July 20, 2005 08:29 PM
That's a great attitude and I'm sure you'll see the rewards. This week was horribly hot so I wouldn't take it as a testament of where you are at. I think you are so much more fit and prepared than you realize! Hope R. is feeling better!
Posted by: Nanda at July 21, 2005 11:20 AM