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| How can I be discouraged when I run in this neighborhood?! |
Week 11 of 12 on the road to the Windward Half Marathon:
Sunday: Stretch and Strength - Relaxing rest day.
Monday: 5 mile run - Finally, a faster run on my Monday 5 miler! Two minutes faster! YAY!
Tuesday: Speed work - 10 x 400 5K pace - I am so tired of the treadmill. I decided to take this run to the street and run Lanikai Loop as fast as I could. Did a 10 minute pace - my fastest pace! Change of scenery is always good!
Wednesday: 3 mile run and strength - Just like last week, not able to work this run in. Switched my run/rest with Thursday.
Thursday: Rest day - Liked the Lanikai run so much, I did it again! Same time!
Friday: 3 mile pace - After pushing so much on Tuesday and Thursday, I ran a bit slower today, but got it done!
Saturday: 12 mile run - After last Saturday's disappointing long run, I was eager to make up time on this run. I started out alright, but about 5 miles in, my legs wanted to quit. Such a head game on these long runs. I kept looking at my watch and getting discouraged, so I decided to "forget" the time. I changed my watch back from the chronometer to the time of day. I realized that I was not "enjoying the run!" My mind was sabotaging my efforts. So I told my self that this was just a great morning to be out running in the most beautiful place on earth. I started using my eyes and ears to really notice what was around. I began listing things to be grateful for, from the smallest cooling breeze, to a heart and lungs that functioned amazingly enough for me to run. That changed everything. Yes, my legs still hurt, but I wasn't obsessed with my time. Every time my body said "you'll never make it back to the car!" I would add more things to my gratitude list.
With less than a mile back to the car, I switched my watch back to the chronometer, ready to face the damage. To my amazement, I was way ahead of last week's time. Then the euphoria kicked in. I was so excited! That last mile was tough, but the discouragement was gone. I finished only 2 minutes behind my 11 mile run last week!
With less than a mile back to the car, I switched my watch back to the chronometer, ready to face the damage. To my amazement, I was way ahead of last week's time. Then the euphoria kicked in. I was so excited! That last mile was tough, but the discouragement was gone. I finished only 2 minutes behind my 11 mile run last week!
The best thing about this week: I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This was a faster week, and that was encouraging.
The biggest challenge of this week: Getting control of my thinking during the long run. I know this will be a challenge during the race. I'm glad I found a few ways to deal with the rebellion of my body!
One more week until race day!
One more week until race day!
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