Still being somewhat new to running, I have just now begun to realize how rare it is to be able to run without a challenge of some sort. What I wouldn’t give for a long stretch of healthy running. After my first half marathon it was a pulled groin muscle that derailed my running, and discouraged me from running for a few years. This spring, during preparation for my first marathon, it was shin splints that challenged me. Now I’m dealing with an apparent Morton’s Neuroma.
Even if you are not dealing with chronic issues, there are the inevitable ups and down from run to run. Saturday was definitely one of my down days. Having missed my scheduled 18-mile group run while on vacation, I tried to get in a long run on my own. It turned out not to be my day. My feet felt like lead, and I gave in to post-vacation fatigue after only 9 miles.
Running, beyond the obvious physical challenge, is a test of will, whether fighting a snooze alarm at 5:00 AM, or toughing out an extra mile. Running also requires common sense, listening to your body, and knowing when to compromise. Perhaps I am a little too skilled at compromise.
This summer, as my training for the Kansas City Marathon gets into full swing, I hope to find the will to push myself a little farther and a little faster, while still being smart about my health. I’ve signed-up for 12 weeks of speed sessions with The Runners Edge. My goal is get below an average pace of 8:00/mile on a two mile run, and ultimately to finish a marathon in under five hours.
Last week I missed the group time trials for the speed sessions. I was on vacation and had to do my time trail on my own. Since I was in St. Louis, I did it around the Gateway Arch. I warmed up for about 10 minutes before starting my two mile hard run. I started out at a pace below 8:00/mile, but eventually slowed down. I finished with an average of 8:46/mile. Not as fast as I wanted, but faster than I’ve ever run for that distance. I don’t know if it is possible to shave off 45 seconds in just 12 weeks, but I’ll try. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, or at least so I hope.
