Yesterday I tried something I haven’t done in way too long.
I left my ego at home when I went for my run.
I looked up my suggested paces on McMillan. I didn’t like the pace that was suggested as my “long run” pace. It was a number I try to avoid at all costs. I don’t like that number at all. “Back in the day”, I ran an entire marathon faster than that number.
But, I did it. I took that number and I ran it. 8 miles later, I was feeling good enough that I let myself run the last two miles faster. And I was tired at the end of 10 miles but…
THIS IS HUGE!
I could have kept running.
3 double digit runs in 5 days and my legs still had something left.
I need to remind myself REGULARLY that I’m not training to RACE a half marathon. There will be no PRs during this adventure. I am training to survive. To finish smiling. To have a good experience while running and a fun vacation with my husband while not running.
5 half marathons. 5 days. 65 miles. In the words of my buddy Emz, I’ve freakin’ got this.
mcmmama
mcmmama
mcmmama
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Good for you! You ego is quite difficult to push aside…
Yes, you’ve certainly got this! Leaving the ego at home is always a good idea.Keep it going!
Is Amarillo your final race? I used to live just south of there! Plus, I noticed that you have a pin in Kansas (although way west of me)! Looks like quite a trip!!!
Wow! Great job with your training, sounds like you are well on your way!
Nice job! I actually am trying to teach my brother the same principal — we did a trail race a couple of weeks ago and he wanted to RUN up all the hills, but one thing I have learned (most of the time!) is that its better to start off slow like you did and if you have some gas left over in the end, use it then. Otherwise its so easy to get pooped out early! Good luck on your races! That looks like fun!
I read the title of your post as “bye bye EXPO”. Must. drink. coffee. before reading blogs.
You do got this, I’m so excited for you.
I’ve had a new coach for a few weeks, and so far I’ve ignored all of his pace suggestions. I’m sure he’s thrilled to have me as a student. It’s hard to just back off sometimes!! Have fun with your races. That sounds awesome!
That ego just weighs you down. I can’t even remember where I last placed mine!
My brother-in-laws favourite saying is ‘put your ego in your pocket’. I’ve had to do that a few times.
great job on your training!
Great job pushing aside the urge to push harder, we often forget how tough it is to slow donw!
WOW! *speechless*
Seems like the McMillian bug is going around these days… with good results! Good luck with 5 marathons/5 days. That sounds like a crazy challenge but a great accomplishment!
Loved reading this! I’m trying to remember some of the same things with training for my 50 miler.
I know *exactly* what you mean. Long runs are supposed to be done slowly to reduce the risk of injury… but I, like so many others, have a tendency to want to push the pace and then the wheels fall off toward the end of the run.
Nice work sticking with your plan!!!!
Wow, that’s awesome! What is this crazy adventure you speak of??
You’re doing great! I can’t wait to hear how your 5 in 5 goes in March!