I'm Here. Lurking mostly. Although, truth be told, I spend a great deal of time moping as well. It seems getting back into shape is tougher than I expected. To make matters worse, you effers always seem to have good news to report. Big miles, fast runs. Damn you. I kid. I'm happy for you. Well, sort of.
The good news is I'm healthy (minus the quarter-sized blister I tore off the bottom of my foot last week) and I finally had a good run last Saturday - the first of its kind (the good kind) in two weeks. Michelle and I ventured south to Albany last weekend where the terrain was flat, the roads were snow-free, and the sun shone brilliantly. Oh, and there was virtually no wind for my long run. It was glorious. I ran 14.5, which is nice in its own right; however, it was the pace (7:03) that I was most happy with.
I'm not sure if any of you remember, but the last time I offered an update on my weekly mileage totals, the posting highlighted pleasing and linear trends. My mileage was steadily climbing and my average pace was steadily descending. Unfortunately, that trend came to a screeching halt several months ago. More often than not, when I calculate my pace at the end of a week, it averages out to somewhere between 7:20 and 7:30. I know the marathon is still 4 months away and I also know I respond well to workouts and a taper, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't concerned.
Ah. And so we arrive at the point in time where the whole reason for the blog exists. Team Support.
ReplyDeleteSo I'd say patience is king. Give a chance to the workouts, which have barely started, to make their due effects, and give the many many long runs to come a chance to work as well. It's February. Time is on our collective sides at this point. If today was in the first week of June and you consistently feel like crap, then I'd say you are allowed concern. But not now. Not yet.
We must plan a run together soon. Aren't you in the cities this week? I am running Thursday evening at 5:30 if you'd care to join. Ben and I are running tonight as well. Give a holler if you are here already.
Thanks for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, I will be in the Cities later tonight and am planning on joining you for my first workout of the year.
Jude, it's time to throw away the watch on the easy runs. Just run based on how you feel. Who cares how fast you run on easy days? I agree with Old Wise Man Tim: focus on quality workouts and long runs instead. The payoff is much greater. Also, perhaps enter a road race sometime later this later spring - that would be a much better indication of fitness.
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