Marathon training has changed my view of running. It’s skewed and strange. Each run falls into one of two categories – long or short. The average long run now seems reasonable in comparison to the extreme distances I’ve been running.
While I know my perspective on long runs is not normal, it doesn’t take away that fact the long long runs are a required element to endurance running.
Where are you going with this, Beck?!
Well, folks, I have a bit of a dilemma. I think I have a plan, but I’m still working it out in my head. Here’s the story…
I increased my mileage a bit faster than my coach, Hal Higdon, suggested. I had the whole thing planned out, but life happened!
Remember when I ran 16 amazing miles in Chicago?
How about when I crossed the bridge into 20 mile land?
And it’s far too soon to forget the way I leaped ran down the NH mountainside!
Why would I complain about those incredible experiences?
I have no reason to complain. I won’t. Those runs were HUGE. They made the challenege of running long distances fun, but now I’ve reached this random spot…an odd week between peak training and tapering. I don’t know quite what to do with it.
- run another 20 miler?
- taper early?
- step back and run another 20 miler next week (cutting the taper a bit short)?
Hmmm…I’m working out a plan. It started with an easy run today.
The Thursday 5K – 27:10
It will continue tomorrow with a day of rest.
The tricky part comes in on Saturday morning. Since I can’t seem to decide on a distance, I’ve decided not to measure the run in miles. I will run for time. I will aim for a three hour run. Whether that takes me 15 miles or 20, I will keep running. I will run at a comfortable pace and enjoy the experience. No pressure. I don’t do well under pressure.
Thoughts of running are consuming me. Crazy marathon! I pondered this long run business during a most pleasant lunch.
Guess where I ate? At home! I had the luxury of coming home for lunch. One of the schools I work in is less than a mile away. Perfect for quick trips! It really reduced the work day stress. I loved eating in the sun and getting Lucy hugs. The fresh salad and “pizza” toast were better than my usual packed PB&J, too. Nice.
Tomorrow is Friday – TGIF! It’s been awhile since I’ve truly longed for a Friday, but this week Friday sounds so sweet.
What do you think of my short-term training plan? I know I’m a running loon, but please…enlighten me!
