On Facebook this morning, the first thing I saw was a note from the Run Like a Diva group asking if we’d done our long run yet this weekend. That got me out the door. I should have started long runs last week but I had a stomach bug and running was not on the agenda. In fact, I didn’t get out to run until Friday of this week when my stomach finally settled.
On Friday when I went out (after more than a week of not running), I opted for a 2.5 miler. The weather was blissfully cool and humidity-free and the run was one of the strongest I’ve had all summer (no walking whatsoever). But it was only two and a half miles. No way I’m running a half marathon based on a strong 2.5 mile run.
Today was my first long run. It’s been an up and down training summer, and I haven’t run more than 3.2 miles in as many months, if not more. I’ve been walking 4.5 miles and sometimes even 6 miles, but I haven’t run it. Today I figured I’d start with a 4-mile run. I figured if I could handle that, I might just be able to bump the mileage up enough to get to 13 miles in seven weeks. That’s what the 8-week training program I’m following says anyway.
Well, today’s run was 4.4 miles. I had one route planned but changed it mid-run. I’m not sure this was the best idea but it worked out ok. I had originally planned to run my usual 3.2 mile route, pass my house to grab a little water and then go for another mile or so. Instead, I decided to meander at the top of the 3-mile run, taking an extended route which ended up being 4.4 miles in the end.
I was able to run just about the whole way, even if it was slow. This morning, while it wasn’t as hot as it was a couple of weeks ago, the humidity was back. No breeze and the sun made it warm. Added to the heat were sore legs from Friday and the fear that there was no way this run would be as good as Friday’s.
On a side note, it amazes me how much fear I have with running as much as I enjoy doing it. When I have a bad run, I hesitate to do my next runs because they might be just as bad. When I have a good run, I worry that my next runs won’t be as good. It’s silly really. There are always good runs and bad runs. As long as they are runs, they are worth the effort.
When I headed out this morning, I didn’t expect it to be a good run. But I felt strong again once I got going and I made it to the 4-mile mark without walking. At that point, I had a couple of mini Dobermans decide to join me, one in particular who wanted a piece of my ankle. I stopped, let them know I wasn’t a threat. The cranky one went from growling to licking and the owner finally lured them away from my feet. I didn’t mind the break but it did throw my pace a bit and when I got started running again, I was in a bit of pain, which I hadn’t been feeling before that. It was here too that I realized I should have re-hydrated. Ah well, there was only a half mile to go, so I walked just a little and started jogging again. I was happy when I got to my house and surprised that I still felt as good as I did. I downed 32 ounces of water in about 10 minutes.
A little while later, I went back out for a beach walk with my daughter, just about another three miles. I figure the more mileage I log, even walking, the better I’ll be able to do come race day.
My short runs next week will be 3.2 and 3.5 miles, and I’m hoping to jump to 6ish miles for my long run next weekend. I know the more I can run consistently, the stronger I’ll get and more confidence I’ll gain.
13.1 miles is a long way. But after today’s run, I feel like I’ll be ready!
Related posts:
I am on an 8 week training plan too!
You can totally do it!!!
I am on an 8 week training plan too!
I know you can do it Diane, I know it!
Well done Diane! I can never understand that people don’t put their dogs on a leash. Not everybody is charmed of a dog that runs towards you. I know mine is always on a leash.
I’m sure you will be ready in 13 weeks!