15 years ago, I stepped on a treadmill in an effort to combat postpartum depression. I had run as exercise off and on over the years, but I’d never considered myself a runner. Once I realized that running helped me cope with my emotional state and a challenging newborn, running became a regular part of my life. Slowly but surely, I began to think of myself as a runner.
15 years later, I’ve gone from a 30 minute run a few times a week to a steady runner. While I have my lower mileage months, I regularly run 100+ miles a month. And every time I think, I got this running thing pegged, I learn something new.
So, what did I learn about running in 2016?
- I learned that a strong base will carry me farther than a few long runs will. Regularly running half marathons has built my base to a point that I only need to add a few longer runs to prepare to run a full marathon. (Note that I’m not saying this allows me to race a marathon. It allows me to run one and have fun and not get injured.)
- I will never be a hot weather runner. Years of trying and failing are starting to sink in. This may or may not prevent me from running Marine Corps Marathon in the future.
- I don’t enjoy training past the 15 mile point. After that, it’s just not fun any more. Probably a good thing I no longer think that 20 mile runs are necessary.
- Sometimes it’s good to shake things up. I did a lot of half marathons this year + MCM. I need a short break. (I may have signed up for 5 shorter races with a local race company on a whim…)
- 5-6 days a week of running is my sweet spot. My legs prefer to run often. Running often makes me happy. Win/win. Now if I can just figure out how to add in some strength training to help prevent injury.
2016 was a good running year for me. 2017 may be better, but it may not. It will definitely be different and I’m sure I’ll learn something new then as well.
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I have run several 15 mile plus run with a friend just because. I do not know if I would say I really like that either. Although it does hold me accountable and if my friend is going to do it, why can’t I? I do always feel better at the end a long run. I guess it’s true what they say, you are never going to regret the runs you take, just the runs you don’t.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…What I’ve learned from Running this year
One thing I learned is that I love hot weather racing/training this year, but it’s probably because most of it was spent on the bike/in the pool with runs no longer than a 10K!
Stacey recently posted…Less is More
I hear you on heat. Blech. MCM won’t always be hot like that. I predict you’ll be back.
Marcia recently posted…Panama City Beach Half Marathon
I’m not a warm weather runner either. Good thing I’m moving out of Texas, but that’s what we get most of the year.
Lesley recently posted…One Thing Running Has Taught Me
My sweet spot for running seems to be 4 days a week, and while this year was crazy, at least I got to do it more often than I didn’t.
I am not a hot weather runner either. That is, I do it, but I don’t race a whole lot in the summer. Which is why I am presently racing every week . . . but that will come to an end after this week.
You gotta know your strengths & weaknesses!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…State #12 . . . :11/28-12/4 Weekly Wrap
You did have a great year of running! I am jealous of how much you can run by body just won’t have it.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Phones Down Touch Down-Say No To Distracted Driving
That’s a good point about having a strong base! I think the back to back half marathon training I did in the late summer / early fall has been a huge part of why my body has held up to marathon training so far (fingers crossed!).
Jessica S recently posted…Weekly Wrap-Up: Five weeks to go!
Hmm, and I’m slowly learning that I loathe cold weather. Like, for realz…
You and I both know you’ll be running MCM next year. 🙂
Rachel recently posted…A Few Things Running Taught Me This Year
man
I aspire to be you in the “ok I started as a smallish runner and BOOM FELL IN LOVE!!!”
CARLA recently posted…I don’t see color.
I’m so not a summer runner either – the heat and I don’t mix, especially as I get older!
You had a great year of running!!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…A couple of December goals
Did you do the Pacers deal? I missed it because I couldn’t decide but I’m trying to spend less money on races next year since I got into Berlin…fingers crossed I can do that!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon Recap
Yes, the 50% off deal was so good I basically got 3 races free to run the two I want to run. Plus Beer Geek has been enjoying short races, so I wanted to run a few of those with him.
Great lessons. Sounds like a grat year.
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…I can do (really) hard things
I prefer 4 running days a week… I tried adding a 5th, but that just was too much. Getting in strength is a challenge for me too, I try to do some exercises like squats/lunges/pushups after easy run days.
vicki recently posted…Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispies