THINGS FALLING IN PLACE
Sunday=Long run!!! I set out at 5am to meet the morning running group..... 13 miles were on my training plan. At the beginning of summer, I hit a rough patch! Seriously, running became such an effort for me, and I couldn't figure out what was up. South Georgia heat? Humidity? My mental state? I hadn't a clue! All I knew was that I was becoming a bit discouraged about things related to running.... I knew that my running/training had to be re-evaluated!! I communicated my feelings to the coach that designs my training plans, and he was soooooooo encouraging! Decision was made to slow down my runs during the week. Anddddddd, I must say, the last couple weeks, I have felt the difference. Running was becoming less of an effort! I was starting to feel more positive. And, today, with having 13 miles on schedule, I knew today would either confirm my progress of getting back to my baseline, or I would know more work was to be done! I am sooooooooooo happy to say that I had a GREAT run! Felt good!!!!! Mentally, I needed today's run! Yes, I think I am getting back on track! No, I probably won't be seeing any PRs in my upcoming half marathon at the end of October, but, I am just happy that running is no longer an effort and actually enjoyable once again!
During times when you feel like you have fell backwards as far as running goes, it is so VERY important to run with your heart. The mind gets weak in times like this! The mind tells you to quit or says "what's the point?" But, if you have running in your heart, you keep looking forward and continue on with training. Even if training means a BUNCH of disappointing runs!!! NO, I am not saying to push through injuries or when you are beyond fatigue. However, I am saying that when the mind gets weak, you must get out there and run! Stay with the program even if the performance you are use to or what you expect isn't there! YOU Must, "keep on keeping on!"
Break Down of today's Run
13.1 miles (Yes, only 13 were on schedule.... but, when you are a runner and you know that 13.1 is a half marathon distance, you can't help but run the additional 0.1 miles.... right?!!! Anyway, the breakdown of today's long run is as follows:
13.1 miles at an average of 10:08 pace
Mile 1- 10:27
Mile 2- 10:07
Mile 3- 10:09
Mile 4- 9:53
Mile 5- 10:07
Mile 6- 9:44
Mile 7- 10:11
Mile 8- 10:34
Mile 9- 10:17
Mile 10- 9:46
Mile 11- 10:11
Mile 12- 10:17
Mile 13- 9:58
and then the added 0.10 to =half marathon distance :):)
We had a pretty big running group this morning, however, I don't ever seem to get a begging picture when everyone is there...... we all have different distances at times, therefore, we don;t end up all finishing at the same time. My friend Brandy (below) and I had 12 and 13 miles on our plan today. We pretty much stuck together, battling the heat and humidity, and got it done! Here we are looking like we took a shower! LOL! :D
Team USA
Did you catch the Men's Olympic Marathon today?!!!! Galen Rupp did a fabulous job and ran a GREAT race! I have to say I was a bit surprised at how well he did today! I really wasn't banking on him.......but, I have to say, he made America proud! All the athletes dud today, but Rupp was a bit of a surprise for me............. CONGRATULATIONS RUPP!!!
Another WINNER Announced!! :)
Congratulations ANITA BURTON!!!! She is the winner of the Zooma Free Entry give-a-way !!!!! I announced yesterday on instagram and Facebook, but wanted to announce here for those who only email subscribe to my blog.
Rest of the day spent enjoying the Olympics and being some what lazy...... sometimes, lazy days are the best! :)
Hope you had a GREAT day!!!! A pile of Laundry with my name on it is waiting for me..... UNTIL later!!!!!