I can’t believe we are nearing the end of July. I feel like all I’ve been doing is running, drinking beer, and taking my kids places. Jones and I are currently on another college trip – this time to Ohio. In four days we are hitting four colleges, 2 zoos, an aquarium, and an aviary. I’m tired already. So let’s get to the runfessing with Marcia…
I must runfess that I’ve hit that point in summer training when I am just DONE. The heat combined with the miles is just not my cup of tea. That’s not to say I’m not doing it, but it’s certainly been more of a mental challenge. I am proud of myself for hitting the trail at 4am with a friend for my last long run. Four.A.M. If you’ve been reading for a while, you know I don’t ever choose to get up early. But I got up early, ran 16 miles, and didn’t even get a medal.
I will also runfess that I’m 18 days into a run streak. I didn’t make a conscious decision to start one, but I’m finding that my body does better when I run more often and my mind does better when not running is not an option. So far it’s going really well, but I have no preconceived plans on how long I plan to continue. If it’s like a normal streak for me, I’ll wake up one morning and realize I forgot to run the day before.
My big runfession is that I’m changing up my 50K plan yet again. I read an article about an ultra runner who trains with lots of midweek mileage, double run days, tempos, etc, but doesn’t do crazy long runs. A lightbulb went off in my head. I’ve had a lot of success in the past with similar training, so I’ve decided it’s time to focus on my non-long runs more. I’ve been totally slacking in that area and I can tell when I run my long runs.
Finally, I must runfess that when we decided to do this college visit trip, I found a half marathon. I need a long run this weekend, so I’m running the Little Miami Half Marathon. Might as well get a medal for running long…
How is your summer going? Are you enjoying training downtime or are you in fall marathon training hell too?
I am so over summer running. My mileage is way down and I actually loving doing lots of cross training and less running. I will be ready for fall running when it gets here-it will get here soon right? Admiring your long summer runs from afar!
Congrats on your run streak! I do better when I run more often too. Which 50k are you doing? Is it the MCM 50k?
Oh, how fun that you’re doing the college trips! I always look for races wherever I go. Is your son considering Wisconsin?
It’s been one helluva a hot summer to be training for a 50k so props to you for getting it done. I can remember ONE instance when I was out running in the hot darkness at 4am. Not even sure what marathon I was training for…maybe Chicago years ago. Your college road-trip sounds fun! Enjoy that journey and your race!
I’m glad NYC 2019 will probably be my one and only, because I cannot do another summer of training. It’s just too much. Well done on finding one in a new to you town.
I swear after last weekend’s weather I am seriously questioning my sanity for taking on a fall marathon!
I love that you threw in a half marathon during the college visits – good luck this weekend!
Last week was tough for running but this week is better. Finding that half sounds like a great idea. Will your son get up to cheer you on?
My full marathon hell is about to get underway ((officially)), maybe next weekend LOL I’ll be doing double-digit long runs pretty much every weekend until MCM, but I’m bringing back some speedwork (which has been hit/miss recently).