As you can tell from the title, I have shifted away from training specifically for the marathon right now. With everything going on in life, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what I really want from running right now as well as what I am willing to put in. I still want to run long. I still plan to aim for around 40 miles per week. However, the closure of things like the gym and local tracks in combination with the hilliness of my local route do not lend themselves to true speedwork. (I can get in hill work of course.) Also, lately, the emotional weight of events and interactions has motivated me to focus more on just getting out there and running, getting stronger. So, going forward for probably spring and part of summer, I plan to focus on building a strong base including mileage, hill work, strength training and healthy eating.
Monday – 50 minutes, 5.65 miles
Originally, I had 70 minutes on the plan but that changed about halfway through the run. After sleep disrupted by an emergency weather alert as well as the winds we still had to fight against and humidity that felt ridiculously high, we chose to turn around at 25 minutes to cut the run a little short. My legs did not have a lot of pep and even though I have not done a lot lately, I have not slept as well as I could and should and have not accounted for the mental effort expended on day to day events through this uncertain time. On the way back, I decided to continue to train towards the Ottawa Marathon but not for a specific time goal, to really focus on building a strong base, a base ready to dive back in when things return to some semblance of normality.
Tuesday – 70 minutes, 7.78
I felt really good heading out today, much better than yesterday. That’s probably because I got more sleep than the night before even though my bladder decided to make a habit of getting up between 3 and 4 in the morning. Mom ran with me for 50 minutes. I added on another 20 making the decision to run the harder route right in the neighborhood with all its hills instead of just an out and back on the bigger street. I did have to make a pit stop with only 12 more minutes to go but that was the best decision since I felt amazing for the last 12 minutes. I really enjoyed this run.
Wednesday, strength training
I headed out to Mom’s to get this done since they took all the stuff out with them when they moved. I stopped to pick up some Starbucks on the way as a treat and ended up waiting for half an hour. (Don’t get me started.) I also saw way too many people out and about but since this serves as a training recap, I will stay focused. I pushed hard through the exercises that Ellis gave us, definitely got my heart rate up. It didn’t last long but I think I will feel it tomorrow.
Thursday, 50 minutes, 5.64 miles
When we started this run, I first noticed how my legs felt using my old shoes. I think I have about 45 miles still left on them but my right leg said, “maybe not.” I shifted my thinking to focus on maintaining good form. That combined with a running discussion with Mom made this run pass quicker than any recent run. Okay, I say “discussion” but I did most of the talking. For the most part, I felt really good throughout the run although I might stick with my current shoes for all other runs going forward.
Friday, 70 minutes, 7.76 miles
I felt great going into this run. I think the changes I made early on in the week to focus on getting a good night’s sleep really helped. The slightly cooler weather also played a part. I did not talk as much as Thursday. Ironically, even if I hadn’t paid attention to that, I could have told by our pace which always ends up a little slower when I talk too much. Even though I have a long run tomorrow, I still added 20 minutes on to the 50 minutes I ran with Mom, keeping the pace even and steady. I felt really good and strong throughout.
Saturday, 60 minutes, 7.04 miles
I first planned to get in my weekly long run albeit without Mom since she and Ellis planned to put down the remaining sod on their land. Then when I woke up, I really felt unmotivated to run on my own so I texted Mom and asked if she would be up to run with me tomorrow. She agreed so I made that plan. Then when I finally got out of bed, I ended up encountering something emotionally heavy that consumed the remaining hours of my morning. Towards the end of this, I knew I needed a run. I needed to get out and pound the pavement. Not only do runs give me an outlet for my frustration but they have increasingly provided time for me to think through and process what’s on my mind. I decided to get out and run for a “short” distance and still run long with Mom tomorrow meaning that I will probably take Monday off rather than today. I needed this run. I got the longed for mental clarity which lifted a huge burden from my shoulders. I felt great physically too.
Sunday, 100 minutes, 10.39 miles
I woke up ready to run today. Because I ran yesterday and I want to keep my weekly mileage from increasing way too much, I ran just 10 miles today. Mom and I ran easy today. The cooler temperatures made the run feel quite pleasant. Overall everything just felt pleasant on this run, no stress at all. Plenty of other runners had the same idea to get out this morning. Something else that added to my positive mood? The number of runners who have voluntarily moved to the side on my runs doubled! It went from about 5 to a little more than 10. 🙂