Okay, so it was a staycation. But it was still awesome.
Took a couple days off this week to relax and regroup. And of course, run.
So my schedule was a little different this week. Wednesday’s river run took place on Tuesday but was still the usual fabulous 8.3 miles. Just with some different faces out there on the path.
Thursday was special. Thursday was the 13th anniversary of 9/11. And in honor of it, I met a friend and amazing runner for a 9.11 mile run. She carried the flag and I waved to an overwhelming amount of cars who honked and waved as they passed us. Nope, we will never forget. And, as the man working on his roof yelled out “yay for America”. And a huge thank you to my friend who was planning on this run anyways and let me share the magic with her. š
Friday was my long run. There is something so awesome about going out to run on a day where no one is waiting and wondering when you’ll be back and other people are all rushing off to work. 18.1 miles. It was a choose your own adventure route – I made it up as I went along. And, on a whim, ran a big circle around the town reservoir. Sooo pretty and sooo hilly. Lol My goal for the run was to go easy and finish strong. And I totally did.
While I would love to finish my fall marathon in 4:30, and I likely will, my main goal is no walk breaks this time. Usually by mile 20 I need one. And I know it’s due to mis-fueling or dehydration or going out too fast. So my long runs right now are about practicing my nutrition as much as time on my feet.
This week, I aced it. And it’s a total confidence booster.
Then, because I ran 27.21 miles over two days, I didn’t run for two days after.
And with that rest (tho I did have a fabulous bike ride Sunday!) I had a fantastic 4.5 mile run this morning. It was about 45 degrees out and it was a little dark so this was the first run in long sleeves and a headlamp for the season. But it felt great and I ran fast. Which I also needed.
While the key to successful distance running is the long slow run, it needs the balance of a short fast run.
So I gotta rate this week an A+.
Two weeks to the Adirondack Half. And six weeks to the Cape Cod Marathon. š
Happy Monday and Happy Running!!
wingsandfur 