How is it the end of August? Wasn’t the beginning of the summer just yesterday? Back in June I thought that this summer would be a laid back, time to get things done, plenty of time to run summer. Somehow it wasn’t, which has definitely lead to some runfessions for August. I’m heading into the runfessional with Marcia right now.
I must runfess that I planned to do a lot of running before and after my Minnesota Ragnar. That’s my usual training method and I know it works for me. Instead, I managed to scratch my eye the weekend before, which meant no contacts. In my world, that means little to no running. So, I took three days off before Ragnar and then ran one 3 mile run without being able to actually see where I was going. Not ideal.
I must also runfess that post Ragnar my training has not been going great either. It took me longer than past Ragnars to recover and just when I was getting into a groove again, I came down with a summer cold. I ran 6 miles on Tuesday that were a struggle for no apparent reason – until the snot started. I ended up taking Wednesday and Thursday off completely. I don’t usually stop running for a cold that doesn’t involve my lungs, so I’m not exactly sure why I was such a wuss.
I must runfess that I waited to post this until after I finished my 18miler this morning. I figured that there was a 50/50 chance it wouldn’t happen. I did it. It wasn’t pretty and I don’t know how I’m not going to get picked up by the buses at MCM 50K, but I got it done. I’ve been coughing a good bit, but as long as I ran slowly, it didn’t bother me on the run. So, yeah, it was hella slow.
I must also runfess that I’m a bit nervous about my high mileage weeks and my busy work weeks hitting at the same time. I have so many balls in the air and I’m so slow these days. Carving out 4-5 hours for a long run is going to be interesting.
Finally, I must runfess that I’m pretty sure that I won’t be running an ultra again. I don’t know if I’ll have the mental strength to not run MCM next year, but I don’t feel like my body is loving ultra training. I’m also not a fan of being constantly hungry (and making poor food choices.) At this point, my only goals are to make it to the start line without getting injured or gaining 25 pounds. I’m not placing any bets on either one. Why do I keep forgetting that half marathons are my sweet spot? (I’m an hour out from finishing my run and I’ve already forgotten just how awful it felt…)
Two months from now, I’ll be done with the 50K and all the ZOOMA races will be finished, which means the next two months are going to be a hell of a ride.
Oh wow I feel you on the contacts. I’d die without mine I think. Sorry about the summer cold too. The acute phase of mine was very short but so much fatigue lingered. But you did 18!! That is huge! Thanks for linking!
You are a strong runner, though. You rock those high mileage weeks much better than I ever could hope to. Congrats on that 18-miler!! My longest run (for MCM) has been 14 miles. I’m doing 5-6 miles tomorrow, then 13.1 on Sunday…that’s kind of my compromise for the 15-16 that I actually should be running. I’ve learned (and I’m sure you know this as well) that we have to do what we’re able and do it wisely. If the runs need to be shorter, then it’s worth it to prevent injury. Chin up!! We’re two months out from MCM…a lot can happen in the mean time 😉
My running totally tanked this summer. I am hoping I can find that groove again when it cools down. Way to go on your 18 miler. You always manage to pull off your races and I have not doubt that you will make it to the finish of MCM
I think summer colds are just the worst! Sorry, you’ve been down. Congrats on getting your 18-miler done!
Long run hanger is ridiculous. I’m trying to make it to dinner, but that isn’t going to happen. Yikes on the scratched eye.
November is my first marathon and then I’m going back to my half marathon happy place. Like you, work is busy in fall and I’m worried about the weekday runs. I can usually protect my Saturday mornings.