Yesterday's long run was tough. I can't really pinpoint why, though there were a few factors that seemed to be testing me. I think I only scored a C on this one.
17 miles at 9:20 pace. Wanted to hold under 9 dare I say under 8:50 really
My hamstring/butt/sciatica was ANGRY. the.whole.time (thought it's feeling a little better today)
it was 20 degrees which isn't bad, but with average winds of 15 mph and gusts of 31, it felt a lot colder
My stomach was angry in the a.m. and I don't I had much left to work with
Not really making excuses. It just wasn't a good run and trying to decide how much of it was mental. Certainly you have to have bad runs in a training cycle. Way better to have them during the training than during the race.
For now, I'm keeping my 2011 goal of a 3:40 marathon. No, that's no longer a BQ, but it's a goal I've had for a while and I have been unable to reach it yet. Does it make sense to be mad at myself if I get the 3:40, even if it's no longer a BQ? I don't think so. One thing at a time. Then I can readjust and go after a BQ. When I swam in high school and college, I was nowhere close to qualifying for things like NCAAs etc. It didn't stop me from setting personal time goals.
Currently I'm training for the Country Music Marathon, which I will run with Team in Training on April 30th. On Memorial Day weekend I'm rematching with Vermont City. Burlington is pretty much my favorite place on earth and so many of my friends are still there. I can't wait for that race. Then in the fall we'll see what happens: maybe Hudson Mohawk, maybe Philly, maybe even Baystate again.
Remember you can still enter the guess the mileage contest. A $2 donation to Team in Training and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can win you a $50 gift card to your favorite restaurant.
Thanks for visiting my blog. You call me tough, when I look at your accomplishment with this run, cold weather, angry body parts and wind, I'd say you're pretty tough yourself! Good job for pushing through. Rest up! Cheers.
ReplyDeleteHang in there Carlee! It was a cold, windy day for a long run. Pace isn't so important on these. You got it done. That's the iminportant part!
ReplyDeleteOnce you get your 3:40 you can easily get 3:35. Okay, maybe not easily, but one step at a time. 3:40 is a very impressive goal. And, The Laminator is right, pace is not so important on these long training runs.
ReplyDeleteA completed long run is a completed long run and it still goes in the books! The bonus is, even if it's a little slower than you planned, you spent more time on your feet right:) At least you didn't quit! Nice work!
ReplyDeleteLove your attitude on the BQ!
I've heard the Vermont City Marathon is just beautiful!
sometimes we all just have a bad run, i have them a lot! :) but nice for finishing it. and you have a great perspective on your goal marathon times, i'm the same way. one thing at a time.
ReplyDeletewind is a killer!
ReplyDeletekeep working on that goal, you can do it!
How about Mt. Desert, ME for the fall - I've already signed up. Join me!