Three years ago, I ran my first double digit race. It was the Army 10 miler and I actually ran it fairly fast for me. (9:30 pace) When I got done, though, I was wiped. I could barely walk back to my car and was majorly stiff for days afterwards. The next spring I ran my first half marathon. I ran it in about 2:20, but again, I was completely wiped at the end and sore for days. In fact, my direct quote from my post about finishing it was:
“Short of natural childbirth, it was the hardest physical thing I’ve done in my life thus far, but I did it.”
Sunday I ran a hilly half marathon. Most of the comments I’ve heard about the course were that is was a challenging course. I ran it at about the same pace as my first half marathon (if you subtract out our long bathroom stop.) And it was easy. I felt awesome the whole time. I was happy the whole time (probably obnoxiously so). The only time I felt at all winded was when I got talking too much and forgot to breathe LOL. When I got done, I felt like I could have kept running for a lot more miles.
Yesterday I went out for a recovery run. I ran 3.7 miles in my Vibram five fingers. I wasn’t even a little bit sore. My legs felt great and I had plenty of energy. In fact, I ended up running the middle two miles at 8:59 and 8:44 respectively and I didn’t feel like I was killing myself.
I’ll never be a one of the fast kids and I may never beat the PRs I set last year, but I’m amazed at how far my body has come in it’s ability to handle lots of miles and recover quickly. I’ll take that over speed, anytime.
Next up: my first 5k race in the Vibrams. Yes, I’ll be the one at the Clarendon Days 5k rockin’ the funky shoes. Too bad my running skirt clashes. ;o)
you sure have come a long way!! good luck in your first 5k with the vibrams!!
See, I think it's all about having fun. Which is much easier to do when you're able to handle the distance easier. That's the way to run "for the win!"
You have come a long way! G and I were just talking about this same topic today. I ran 10 miles last night and finished at 8:30. Then we met to run 5 at 5:30 this morning. We were recalling how 10 miles would have wiped us out two years ago and now, it's a "short" run. Crazy.Can we get a picture of this running skirt and vibrams combo?
Isn't it amazing what we can do with time, commitment and a little bit of luck too 😉 very nice and good luck with you Vibram 5k race!
great recap and look back…you have come so far..
Comparing how you felt at certain distances/paces in previous years to now is such a good indicator of how far you have come and what better shape you are in now. Awesome feeling!
Awesome!!! Competing against yourself is the only competition that counts. Congratulations!
You definitely have come a long way! I can't wait to hear about the race in the Vibrams!
so many congrats on coming such a long way! have a great 5K this weekend – take some pics of the outfit. 🙂
Congratulations on all your training and hardwork; it must feel so good to see how much it's paid off. I hope I've come as far in 3 years' time.
Love reading about your Vibrams, i am so curious but so not there yet. When are you coming to Warner, it is about an hour from me. What race is up there?
also doing clarendon…will look for you! since you did army 10, I have a question…how hardass are they about their "no iPod/music – will be strictly enforced" statement?
I just ran my first (only?) marathon last weekend and I said that it was equally as difficult as childbirth. 🙂
That's a good way to measur eyour running accomplishments! Sometimes it's easy to just examine times, but how we feel is probably a better indicator of performance.
Isn't it such a great feeling to realize how far you have come! Nice work!
you know, that's exactly how I felt running the spring half marathon and pacing my friend. SO much energy, I think I smiled the whole time. It was way more fun than gutting it out for a PR, not that that can't be fun too. But I really enjoyed it.
That is a lot of progress. You'll definitely have to post race pics with the vibrams!
excellent post, and important note about exercise and goals…they are all different and yet all important.
You have totally come a long way! And I think any distance runner who does this crazy dance long enough does, too! When I think back to all the crazy things I did in the beginning, I shutter!You are even tackling barefoot running and to that I tip my hat! You are amazing 😉
Good luck in your vibrams! Love your attitude.
You have come a long way! I was just thinking about this topic the other day. Good luck in you vibram 5k!
Sounds like an awesome 1/2 marathon and great running the next day. I have never tried the vibrams but they sure are getting popular and many people swear by them. I am curious – but I don't know if I would like them. 😉 I think at my age I need more cushioning.
of course you must post some photos 🙂