How is it Thursday already? And yet how is it not the weekend? This week has been a weird combination of going to fast and dragging at the same time. Today I’m joining Running with Spoons for Thinking Out Loud Thursday because I have a lot rumbling in my head.
1. I ran my first 20 miler since 2010 yesterday. I did a “Galloway-ish” style run – .45 run; .05 walk, starting from mile 1. From a mental standpoint, it really broke things up. From a physical standpoint, it kept me feeling fresh. In fact, I felt so good at 17 miles that I straight ran the last three miles with the last two coming in just under a 10 minute pace. I’ve NEVER felt strong at the end of 20 miles before. I don’t think Galloway running is my new “thing”, but I think it’s what will be getting me through back to back marathons. Another good thing about yesterday’s run? My Altra One(2) rocked! Review coming soon!
2. Today I have 15 miles to run. It actually finally feels a bit like spring, so I’m looking forward to being outside (yesterday was chilly and I got rained on a couple of times.) But this morning our furnace was acting up, so I may have to split up my run and/or run within a mile of my house so I can be here for the technicians to come. My furnace should barely be being used at this point, but no, the weather keeps on messing with me.
3. Speaking of weather, Saturday is the Marine Corps 17.75 (for those who have asked, that’s the year they were founded.) The weather looks to be around 36* at the start. Are you kidding me??? Will winter never end?
4. And here’s my conundrum: I got into the marathon via the lottery as well. I only registered for it because I had this irrational fear that something would happen on Saturday to make me not finish the run: oversleeping (unlikely), dead legs from 20/15 (entirely possible), scheduling problems (this is actually the biggest issue right now…). I didn’t expect to get in, but I did. I want to run the 17.75 race and I hate to waste a registration fee AND an entry that I could give to a friend, but I’m finding it really hard to be excited when I’m in, I’m tired, and it’s going to be cold.
Two more days until I get to go home and visit my parents. Just need to solve the furnace issue, run 15 miles, go on a field trip with Shoo, run MCM 17.75, and pack. Oh, and then there’s that little thing called a job. I can do this.
How is your week going? Hopefully calmer than mine seems to be.
good job getting it done on the long runs! I recently picked up a pair of Altras – have been doing my treadmill speedwork in them and so far so good on keeping the nagging injuries at bay. You definitely have a busy week! Good luck!
I could totally understand wanting to not go to the race this weekend since you’re already in. Stupid winter!
COngrats on getting in via lottery. I saw as far as the runthis weekend listen to your body and if you really decide not to do it, don’t.
Wow. I’m impressed. I got tired reading it.
The winter won’t let go of us here either. It’s still snowy and cold, but at least we’re getting a little more daylight — it’s the little things 🙂
You’re doing great! Winter is pretty much out the door for us, although the last few days have been a little cooler (in the 60s and 70s), which is a nice reprieve from high 80s.
This week was tough. Little man is being treated for walking pneumonia and Mr PugRunner has been out of town, so not a lot of sleep (or running) here. Fortunately, he is doing better but a good nap would do everyone wonders.
Good luck this weekend!
I’ve never tried the Galloway method, but I might have to check it out if you felt great after 20 miles! Totally hear you on winter ending – it’s really overstayed it’s welcome! I hope you can round out this week and enjoy some relaxation time!
I’m tired just reading all of that. Getting in through the lottery does give you options though. I can’t believe how much winter just doesn’t want to leave certain areas.
I’ve decided to go ahead and run and enjoy myself. I have a friend who wants the entry, so it’s all good.
A day of non-wintry temperatures here but it’s gloomy and raining…crossing my fingers and hoping for sunshine soon! Honestly it’s those LONG runs that make me think twice about training for a marathon, even after three halfs and another in the pipeline.
Yes, the 15+ mile runs are killer for me. I seem fine mentally until then and the I just get bored with running LOL.
That’s so great that you felt fresh after such a long distance! Good luck on the 17.75k – that sounds like a ton of fun! I was disappointed when I didn’t get into the MCM this year – I’m on the lookout for a good first marathon and I thought MCM sounded perfect.
It’s funny, I’ve never felt that good after a LONG run before.
If you really want to run MCM, there are charities with fairly low minimums as well as bib transfers this summer. Generally speaking, if you want to run MCM, you can find a way in. It is a perfect first marathon. I loved it last time (even though I felt awful after about mile 10)
hmmm a tough call on the race. it will be good hill work though if you are looking for that! i’d probably run it and then give a friend the entry to MCM if i were you…
I’m going to be there. Hope I see you!
Congrats on the great back to back runs. Sounds like you are really in a great groove. It doesn’t feel like spring at my house?? I say go for it w the 1775 sounds fun 🙂
I found someone to carpool with, so that’ll make it more fun.
Hope you got the 15 mile run done and that your legs are holding up!!!
When my son (13) did a half last summer I did all of his long runs with him and we did a run walk – it helped him mentally more than anything.
The mental part was huge yesterday. I ran less than a half mile at a time. I knew I could do that no problem LOL.
Good grief I don’t blame you for feeling tired! I love the idea of the 17.75K – if you can give the entry to a friend then maybe it’s worth it (Treat it as a hill workout!). If you can’t give the entry away, then I’d totally go by how you feel that morning. It’s still cold around here too and possible a snow/rain mix for the weekend – I’m just over it already!
I can and that’s why I’ve decided to still run it. That and running out of time on my run today so only did 12.
Yeah you can do it. You always do.
Thanks for your vote of confidence. One of these days I’ll fail in some big flamboyant way LOL.
I can understand why you are tired, but you will do well. I have a couple of friends running the 17.75. I’m over the cold too. It’s about to get very chilly this weekend. So over it! All the best to you on your race!
Thanks! I actually am carpooling with a friend now, so that will make it fun, even if the race is rough. (And as tired as I am of the cold, I actually run better in it.)
I’m so over winter as well. I had planned to run outside at lunch today, and it snowed unexpectedly. I decided to take my lunch break and use it as a mental break instead! This weather can really deter your motivation!
That’s quite a busy week!
You got this girl! I hope your run today went well and all is warm in your house again! Sucks the weather is so crappy 🙁 I hope spring finds you soon!!
Oh my gosh, seriously I bow to you. I don’t know how you are doing it. You rocked the 20 miler! As for the 17.75K, that’s a tough one. I say do it, see lots of MRTT faces and their water station!
YOu are one busy girl!! Hugs on the lack of motivation because of weather. Spring/SUMMER! will be here before we know it (I hope) 🙂
20 miles!? Woohoo! I can’t wait to do my first 20. It seriously seems so daunting
You’ve got lots of miles coming up. I’m tired just reading it!
Wow way to crush it! When you do the walk intervals do you speed walk or walk normal pace? I’ve thought about incorporating something like this into my long runs because of my shin problems.