Week 11
Intro: This week really needs to be a step-back week, but I’m tempted to move my step-back week (again) to next week. I have absolutely nothing going on this weekend and could get my long run in without any problem. But next week I’m going to the Clemson/Maryland game at Clemson, and it’ll be harder to squeeze my long run in before work or before the game. If I have to do it, I will, but I may just try to do it this week, so that I don’t have to worry about it next week.
Monday: 4.5 miles.
I think everything finally caught up to me this morning. I had an awful cold last week but kept running anyway, and then, over the weekend, I had a fun but super busy weekend back in Greenville with my family. I somehow managed to sleep through all four of my alarms this morning, which forced me to delay my run until after work.
Work was exceptionally tiring today (four hour meeting—whoa), so when I got home, I was feeling extra unmotivated. The cold wind wasn’t helping. I forced myself into my running clothes and my (new!) shoes and headed out the door. After the first mile, I felt more awake and alive. Running always has a way of waking you up. This is why I don’t like the excuse, “I’m too tired.” Um, then go for a run. It’s better than coffee!
After I ran, my boyfriend came over to carve pumpkins and eat Funfetti Halloween pancakes…it’s almost Halloween! I wish I’d dressed up for the race last weekend. Maybe I’ll dress up for my morning run on Wednesday??
Tuesday: 7 miles.
I overslept again this morning. What is this?! Luckily, I was able to get in a little over 7 miles after work in the fastest time yet. Running after a busy workday resulted in delirious thoughts, including but not limited to, “I wonder where fire came from.” I think I’m going to call this type of senseless thought had while running a “run-osophy.”
Wednesday: 4.5 miles.
I wore 70s-esque knee socks on my run today. I’m looking forward to a night of Halloween movies, take-out Italian dinner, and wayyyyy too much candy—nights like these are so good for the soul. Happy Halloween!
Thursday: Off.
Friday: 7 miles.
This cold weather is making it impossible for me to get out of bed in the morning. I ran my 7 miles in the afternoon and am enjoying a quiet night in. Preparing for the 15 miler tomorrow!
Saturday: 15 miles.
Pure euphoria. I decided to go ahead with my long run, delaying my step-back week to next week. I’m so proud of myself for having made it this far. As I was about to finish my run, I realized something. A year ago today, I had absolutely no intention of ever running a full marathon, and now I want to run a thousand before I’ve even finished the first!
You just never know where life will take you. Unfortunately, I have to change my goals for the race. Judging by my current long run pace, my initial goal is going to be far too fast. This is disappointing because it feels like I’m not nearly where I should be for this race. I know that for the first marathon the goal should be focused more on finishing than on time, so I’m going to try to keep that in the back of my mind as I’m training, and I’ll continue to work for my new, more realistic (but still challenging) goals. After all, this hopefully will not be my last marathon, so I’ll have plenty of time to reach my marathon goals, maybe even in the next year.
Sunday: Off.
Total: 39 miles.
Conclusion: Next week is my first actual step-back week in a month—I’m serious this time. I’m so ready for it.