When I started running seriously a few months ago, I was almost morbidly attached to my training schedule. I refused to deviate from the prescribed mileage by even a block, and stuck as doggedly as I could to the required pace. I'm not usually like that, but back in December, I would never have thrown caution to the wind as I did last night, when I went out for a 6 mile tempo run - a day early. This might not seem like much, but for me it points to an important milestone. I've grown confident enough as a runner that I can begin to apply another important attribute - flexibility. I can run on a day when I'm not scheduled to run and no longer fear that something will break, that my shin splints will rear their head, that I won't possibly, for some reason, be able to do it. In fact, it was a great run. A comfortably fast 6 miles at an average 10:19 pace (including the slow first and last miles) and feeling fantastic the whole way. I need to add some serious hill work though. They just kill me.
This is my 50th post. Wasn't sure I'd be able to keep the blog (or running!) going this long. Another minor milestone.
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5 comments:
hi there,
Interesting reading. I am new to the area and new to running so your blog is a great reference. I've just committed to doing the (half!) marathon in July along with a couple of friends.
On seeing your list of upcoming races I may just do the 12k around the corner...even if it is a run-walk scenario!
Thanks
Patricia
Congrats on your 50th post. I think you're officially hooked on this sport. Running requires flexibility and rigidity leads to boredom. We all have lives outside of running and we need adapt to survive. There's some basic stuff you need to keep in mind (one speed session a week, don't increase your weekly mileage too fast, etc), but for the most part you should feel free to do what your spirit is calling you to run. The only thing I'd caution you on as you start to increase your mileage is to not cheat on your shorter recovery runs. If you want to add miles, add them to your longer runs. The incremental stress isn't significant and those short recovery runs are in your program for a reason ... they let your legs recover.
Great run!
Rose, awesome job on attitude, training and accomplishing so many of your goals and sticking to it. I can certainly understand the shin splint issue. I am dealing with that same problem in my left leg and have been since the beginning of the year, but now I'm cross-training and strengthening the rest of my body while it heals. By the way, I wanted to thank you again for linking to our Blog Database on the main Faithful Soles web site. We now have bloggers from 37 states in the USA and 20 other countries. I look forward to the 51st post and beyond and I know you will do great with your goals.
Hey Rose,
Congratulations on sticking with it! 50 posts and still running... way to go!
You have an elegant way of writing that keeps me coming back. Thank you for sharing your discoveries with us.
I even learn things from your readers' comments. For example, I didn't think about the consequences of adding mileage all throughout the week, but just adding miles to the long run. (Thank you Phil.) I've been fortunate so far and injury-free but I'm sure my mileage-junkie attitude is sure to backfire.
Congratulations! That is very exciting and gives me great hope. At the moment I am that person that must stick to the plan and when I don't the legs and joints become very angry. Reading your blog gives me great motivation and hope that I can be at that point someday too!
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