Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Keeping the ball rolling

Usually I look forward to the start of a new month because it feels like a fresh start. A chance to get back on track and start over. A nice clean slate. Not this month.

Now, I don't want to let my ego get too big, but I feel like I've been killing it this summer! I don't want a fresh start, I want to keep the ball rolling!

In July I surprised myself by running my first 200 mile month (200.25 to be exact). Although my long runs weren't quite what I wanted them to be, I had a couple of really solid tempo runs and my training volume was way up (May and June each had about 150 miles).

In August I ran a total of 213.15 miles (that 0.15 is totally important, right?). I got my long run up to 20 miles including running the last 5 at goal MP. My average distance per run is in the double digits (213 miles, 21 runs). My yearly mileage is up over 1000. I've even lost the 5ish pounds I gained while injured last fall.

I definitely do not want a fresh start. I want to make September my third consecutive month of 200+ miles. I want to take all of the hard work and training from the past couple months and start seeing some awesome race results. I want a sub 1:45 half Let's try not to talk about that! I want to run my first marathon!
I'm coming for you! (source)
At the same time, I am tired of the hour+ runs almost every day of the week. I'm tired of getting up at 5:30 on Saturday AND Sunday so I can run before it is a million degrees out. I'm definitely looking forward to the cutting back and relaxing in November and December. But right now looking back at just how hard I have been working this year is making me so excited that race season is finally (almost) here!
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6 comments:

  1. HannaSeptember 2, 2015 at 9:08 AM

    There's no reason you can't keep the ball rolling! But, I understand how you feel. One of the hard parts of marathon training is knowing all good things must come to an end. Just try to enjoy this time while it lasts instead of thinking about it being over. As someone who just went through the thrill of killing a marathon goal and then the emptiness once it was gone - make the most of while it's here! If every month were as great as your last two, then your last two wouldn't feel as special. Don't forget - the best is yet to come!

    I'm sure you're going to kill it at your half marathon!

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    1. Heather [is probably running]September 3, 2015 at 11:04 AM

      I've been trying not to think about the seemingly inevitable post marathon blues. I haven't given much thought to 2016 races or training goals, so hopefully I'll be able to focus on planning if actual training doesn't sound appealing. Plus I have a few non-running projects to work on during that time.

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  2. Gretchen BraunSeptember 2, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    Good luck in September! I'm with you on being ready for cooler weather. On Sunday I slept in and had to do my long run when it was 85+humid. Not fun!

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    1. Heather [is probably running]September 3, 2015 at 11:06 AM

      Ugh that is the worst! I don't know how you did it. I can be such a baby when it is hot and humid. I had to cut my tempo run short last night because I just could not hit my paces (which were already adjusted for the heat!).

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  3. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    Amazing job this month! You WILL keep the ball rolling - it will only get better as fall hits and temps drop! However, I'm also with you on not wanting to turn over a new leaf - it means going back to work and changing up my training!!

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    Replies
    1. Heather [is probably running]September 3, 2015 at 11:07 AM

      The forecast is still showing another week in the 80s-90s and it makes me want to die. I am so ready for those cool temps and not feeling like I am running in an oven.

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