Fastest Week in the Monster Month
While out on my run today, trying to log the last few miles for my last monster month week, I ran the first three miles in 10:57/mile; then, on the way back, I just stopped running. I walked the last few miles home, jogging only when the wind got too cold. I just quit. I wrestled with the decision - wouldn't a true runner, a real runner, find the determination to keep going? Wouldn't that have been the "right" thing to do for training - learn how to keep going, even when you don't want to? A breakthrough? It was only a measly three miles back. Temperature was perfect, I was well-fueled, not PMS-ing, not injured, no pain, no "real" reason to stop running - except for the child in me, kicking and screaming, throwing a giant temper tantrum over running. Enough! Enough pressure! Stop it! So I did. I stopped. And I decided it was a bigger breakthrough for me to learn to listen to my body, have grace and stop.
Once I got home and entered all my time and miles for the week into my log, I realized that I may have had reason to stop - it was my fastest week in my monster month by far.
J and I had fun in La Jolla. Here's the hotel and view. While we only did one of the two long runs we had planned, we ended up running an additional 10 miles - 5 on Friday and another 5 on Saturday. It was fun to run next to the ocean, hearing the waves crash to shore, tasting the salt spray on my tongue and listening to the seagulls cry. Simply spectacular. We walked around town and the parks on the ocean, and took advantage of the hotel's awesomely, perfectly hot jacuzzi.
Of course, this great mini-vacation was sandwiched between two terrifying events: riding an airplane there and back. I am frightned to death of flying; I was almost in tears both ways. Needless to say, I was much relieved to be back in Tucson on Saturday night, whole and in one piece. While I enjoyed having J to myself for three days, I was so happy to be reunited with Ash!
I'm ready to begin my taper. Oh, so ready. I will begin by catching up on everyone's blogs!
Comments
DATE: 8:44 PM, January 15, 2006
CA looks SO green!! I miss seeing green grass and leaves on trees....and having a tan!Enjoy the taper!
Posted by: Rae | April 2, 2006 01:07 PM
DATE: 8:46 PM, January 15, 2006
I was just thinking the same thing... everything looks so GREEN! glad you had a good vacation!
Posted by: mouse | April 2, 2006 01:07 PM
DATE: 9:07 PM, January 15, 2006
YAY FOR TAPERS! Great job on all of the miles you've logged. CA looked beautiful. Have a great week!
Posted by: brent d. | April 2, 2006 01:07 PM
DATE: 10:31 PM, January 15, 2006
Angie,I wrestle with this same question that you posed in your post, "wouldn't a true runner, a real runner, find the determination to keep going? Wouldn't that have been the "right" thing to do for training - learn how to keep going, even when you don't want to?"I have struggled over the years with continuing on late in a run. I will be running a good race, but late in the race I just get bummed out and I decide it just feels so much better to walk and so I walk. It is hard for me at times to finish strong, but I think the most important thing is to finish no matter how you do it. BTW, Olga was 6th woman overall in 8:50 something. I think she was flying home today and hopefully she will post tomorrow.
Posted by: robtherunner | April 2, 2006 01:07 PM
DATE: 4:58 AM, January 16, 2006
I listen to the kid in me too. I walked a lot on my run this weekend. Great job with your monster month. I'm glad your plane ride was uneventful
Posted by: Susan | April 2, 2006 01:07 PM
DATE: 10:10 AM, January 16, 2006
Don't judge, just move on...there are days and there are days:) CA is beautiful, indeed, I didn't want to leave...
Posted by: olgav100 | April 2, 2006 01:07 PM
DATE: 4:35 PM, January 17, 2006
Sounds like you had an awesome trip. Enjoy your taper!
Posted by: Kim | April 2, 2006 01:07 PM