I had to go a week without a running journal because either Mom’s computer or the particular internet service did not like the wordpress system. Basically, I got in a lot of miles while debating about whether or not to step up the mileage to get BAT (back across Tennessee.) Ultimately, I decided for and against it but decided against it finally, on Monday described below.
Monday, 30 minutes, 4.39 miles (3.30 miles walking)
I headed out planning for 75 minutes as I have made the usual. However, I ran 15 miles yesterday since we drove back from the beach Saturday. As I started running, I knew that stubbornly persisting in the full distance would do me no favors so I cut back to my current short run distance. I did not feel terrible but I did not feel spectacular either. I got it done. (Also, my current virtual race means that I run on water now.)
Tuesday, 50 minutes, 6.16 miles (3.64 miles walking)
We ran earlier in the morning than we have usually since Mom had to get into work by 8:30 and I had a training that started at 9. I need to start getting used to this since we go back to school for work days on the coming Monday (still don’t know what I’ll be teaching …) The temperatures felt absolutely wonderful as well. I didn’t even have to take hydration. I also decided to scale back on some of my runs this week since I decided to make the 1000 miles my goal rather than the *just* out of reach. I find that a lot more reasonable and it helps the runs feel better too.
Wednesday, 50 minutes, 6.12 miles (1.60 miles walking)
I got in 50 minutes in the morning although not quite as early as I originally hoped. I’m still working on shifting back to an in person work schedule. I felt great as I imagined “competing” in a running event in the CrossFit games (I’ve never done CrossFit but I love watching the games). I kept imagining myself as a metronome and loved the whole run.
Thursday, 50 minutes, 6.04 miles (1.67 miles walking)
We started earlier than Wednesday but I will need to get my runs started sooner than that if I want to get back to running before school. Once again, the temps felt so much better even though we still finished looking rather sweaty. At one point a thought about my legs being tired flitted across my head but I banished it and settled into the pace. I will probably bump overall mileage back up next week (if I can balance it with my schedule for teacher work days) but needed the lower mileage this week since I had to move the long run to Sunday rather than Saturday.
Friday, 50 minutes, 6.20 miles (1.36 miles walking)
50 minutes feels like my sweet spot this week, just long enough for a slight challenge and enough to get in the miles I need for the day to progress towards 1000 miles before the end of the month. I did not feel fresh but I did not feel overly tired either. I kept up a slightly faster pace than Thursday but a similar pace to Wednesday. Here’s to getting stronger and figuring out the balance of running and whatever this next crazy school year will bring.
Saturday, long run, 13.07 miles
Optimistically I thought about running 17 today to keep lengthening the long run for my personal marathon even though a doubt lingered in my mind about the wisdom of running two long runs within 7 days. I decided to cut it down to 12, take the more realistic, wiser, option. Now that I can see the end of GVRAT and school approaches, I remember my once upon a time goal of getting fitter over all.
Sunday, 30 minutes, 4.35 miles
I realized Saturday night that runs had shifted to an obligation as I logged miles for GVRAT. I lost the gratefulness that I felt at the beginning of this COVID season. So I decided to remind myself that I get to run. That doesn’t mean that I had a run full of unicorns and rainbows. However, a positive mindset helped tremendously and I focused on the privilege I have to get out and run rather than any other negative thought that might intrude.