Monday, May 12, 2014

Running Updates: Mileage & Motivation

So, some updates on the running things today. The short of it is that I am running more, training again and loving it.

Recovery from Boston went insanely well and that allowed me to get back into things with little transition time. Things are certainly different this time around though, I'm being a heck of a lot smarter lately. (Read: I have enlisted in some coaching help to keep me in line.)

So the last few weeks have been pretty damn good as far as running goes. I'm adjusting to adding miles again after Boston, as well as adjusting to working 2 jobs again. I forgot how insanely tiring it can be working so much (particularly having a job with time on feet and late hours) BUT I am so happy I am doing it, it helps financially and certainly keeps me from getting bored. This past week kicked my ass but I think it's just what I needed to get back in the swing of things. From here on out it will be pretty smooth sailing as far as work hours go, obviously some days I will still crave naps (don't we all?). In case you were wondering, NO I am not going back to decaf. I thought about it after Boston but there is just NO way right now. 

On the running front, my miles are building but in a smart and controlled manner. 2 & 3 weeks ago I was in mid to high 40's and then this past week was 52. I haven't seen 52 since SEPTEMBER. Yeah, I had to go back in my RunningAhead logs to figure that one out. I fully admit I have never been a consistent runner and it's something I have really wanted to work on and now is that time. I have some awesome support and guidance which is making it so much easier. I look forward to continuing to add miles and venture into some higher weeks this summer while training. 

I've been focusing on taking my easy days easier (this is a work in progress), and hitting my workouts harder. I know that this will be really important as my mileage continues to increase. I'm happy to feel like I am working on my base. I had an 'alright' base for a while until I dealt with whatever the hell that injury was while training for Boston. I look at my miles for this year and it's frustrating (I averaged in the 30's for most of the Boston weeks, yeah....about that.). But I can't go back and change it, and had I pushed on that injury who knows what I'd be doing right now. 

It's going to be a long summer of training but I have NEVER been more excited or motivated for it. I owe a lot of that to the people in my life. I can't remember the last time I had this much support and encouragement for the thing that I love to do. One foot in front of the other. 
 I've even been back to the track, as well as running a LOT on the river trail to prep for the fall course.
(P.S. Hollie, that photo was for you....stupid BIRDS!)

I love enjoying running again. I love feeling like I WANT to run and not just NEED to run. I struggled with this for a while but I'm pretty sure that was life seeping into things. Someone once told me they saw my running get better when my life was in shambles. That may have been the case a few years ago but not recently. I'm a happy girl right now with a very positive outlook and undeniable hope for the future....and my running is on the best path its ever been on. There's your sign

I'm enjoying finding running routes from my new place. I'm so close to quite a few great running spots which makes it fun to go out and meander around for some miles. I wasn't that far from a lot of these places before but now they are practically right outside my door. River Trail, Highland Park, Mount Hope Cemetery, many options for running and getting workouts in.
Isn't a bad view for running :)
I have a half-marathon in 2 weeks (Buffalo) that I am going to be pushing for a PR at, I feel like my 'accidental' PR in February needs to be broken with some force. While it may seem soon to go for this, I feel like it is well within reach for how I have been feeling lately.  After that I won't have many goal races over the summer, some smaller ones here and there but my main focus will be on a fall marathon PR. (Yes I know I said in December that I wasn't going to try for one this year as my original plan was a triathlon year. But plans change). I'll update on my goals soon enough. :)

Anyone else have a goal race coming up?

What are some cool running places near you? 
(Any I need to add to a bucket list?)

9 comments:

  1. New running routes is an awesome motivator for me...really makes me want to get out there. Sounds like you have some nice options!

    I'm looking forward to Musselman in July, and depending on how that goes I may end up doing another 70.3 in September, the Niagara Barrelman.

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  2. I can't wait to hear your goals. You have an incredible mindset and attitude. Keep that up! Now go rock that half here in a few weeks. Even if it's too soon to PR, it will give you a great starting point for where your fitness is currently. Happy to hear you are doing well :)

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  3. Glad things are going well for you laura! That is wonderful that you were able to recover so easily from your marathon! Mine took me months to feel normal again, it was rough! So glad you are enjoying it, that makes me smile to read other people so in love with it:)

    I have the Brooklyn Half this weekend, so looking for a big race, but we will see :) Trying not to put too much pressure on it this time....so I do not end up the same way as my last marathon!

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  4. Your attitude reads w/loud volumes. Congrats on the miles that you are enjoying rather than NEEDING to log. Bucket List for ya would be the Lead King Loop every Sept. The views are like something you will never forget. And Now, I am off to take a nap.

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  5. I love how strong and well training is going for you. You are going to get a solid half marathon PR and I cannot wait to virtually cheer for you.

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  6. SO excited that you're back to running injury free and happy, so awesome.

    Best of luck to you in Buffalo! I have one in June that I'd love to run a PR at, but I just don't know if I have enough time. We shall see I guess.

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  7. So glad you're running because you want to! And injury free is always amazing! Good luck at the half...I know you will rock it!

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  8. Gorgeous places to run - love that view!!!
    This past year I've been focusing on making my easy runs easier, too. I went through a long stretch where I ran hard and harder all the time and couldn't figure out why I kept getting stress fractures. Now I'm running much higher mileage than I have in years and it has been great!!

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