Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Wednesday Workout Update - Random Running Thoughts

"Run the mile you are in" - Runner's World posted that on their Facebook page yesterday, and it struck me:  I seem to spend so much of my runs worrying about what's around the corner - the hill (ugh, so high!), the distance (ugh, so far!), the wind (ugh, so strong!), the heat and humidity (ugh, TEXAS!) that I tend to not focus on and better still, enjoy the moment.  Because I really DO love to run.  I think it's just in my nature to want the circumstances to be perfect and easy...and we all know that doesn't happen very often when it comes to running!  But I am going to work harder on the mental aspect of it, and just BE a runner and stop fighting everything else that comes with it.

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I don't normally tally up my mileage for the month, but I was curious how my little dribs and drabs added up:  I ran about 37 miles in April!  That pleases me immensely.

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I ran both Monday and Tuesday mornings this week - two miles each day.  The interesting thing is that while my first mile is slow, my second mile has been just under 12 minutes...11:59 on Monday and 11:54 on Tuesday!  I was fairly spent after the second mile, and wouldn't do this during a 5K at the moment (as there is still that pesky third mile to do, lol), but it feels GREAT to push myself like this!  Don't get me wrong - it's still as much a  mental challenge as it is physical, but as I get closer to the end of that second mile, I know that I've got it.

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When I run with Jenny, I'm used to her or I talking encouragement out loud - things like "we can do this" and "we're doing great" and "just to the bridge and we'll be done" - don't laugh, it really helps!  I was doing that on Monday when I was running with Jeff, and he was answering me, which cracked me up - as much as we've been running together, he's usually the one doing the talking while I try not to die to focus on the running.

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Tomorrow I'm running with Coach Erica - just a couple of miles.  I didn't plan on running four days a week, but so far, these short runs, plus the one longer run on the weekend, don't seem to be bothering me...and as I'm a social runner, I hate to pass up a chance to run with someone.   While I'm still a bit cautious, I think I'm getting over my injury paranoia - I've had several runs where it's only later that I've realized I didn't worry about my ankle!  Yes, there is still a bit of pain, but not much, and completely bearable, especially if it means I get to run.
 
A very pleased-with-herself sweaty runner early Monday morning! 

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18 comments:

  1. Oh running sister, even our miles in April were close. You ran about 3 miles more than I did :)

    I hear you on the mental thing and not enjoying the moment. Something I need to work on too and get better at every time. Long runs I split up in parts because 4 times 2.5K doesn't sound as bad as 8K for example :)

    This morning I enjoyed running early in the morning, it was bit foggy and I didn't see a single person. It was just me, nature and 5 little lambs that suddenly started to run with me when I passed them. It was so cute.

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  2. Run the mile you are in.
    That is excellent advice; I want to see how you incorporate that into your routine!
    I am so, so glad you are running again. It's where your joy is, so it makes sense to concentrate on ENjoying it. :)

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  3. What great advice! It's along the lines of "be where your butt is" which is a mantra of mine to try to keep me in the moment. If my body raced ahead as fast as my mind, I'd be drowning in Olympic medals!

    So glad you are getting back into the running groove. I don't know of anyone who loves it more. I, too, like riding with someone - my favorite riding partners - Talia and Marty - are both encouraging talkers - and I am too! Makes the time fly!

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    1. You have a great mantra as well and it is perfect for biking! Glad to hear I'm not alone with liking talky exercise buddies!

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  4. Run in the mile....very interesting concept!

    I'm like you...I'm always "thinking" ahead. However having said that, when I have really LONG runs I break them into 5km's at a time, this helps ;-).

    So great that you are enjoying running again Shelley, and congrats on the April mileage, you're doing so great!

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  5. I NEVER tire of hearing about your "joy of running." It always makes me smile. I like the "be where your butt" is mantra as well.

    Have a good run!

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  6. I like that run in the mile. I try to enjoy my walks with the dogs no matter what. Those pesky little flies are hard to ignore though.

    Your mileage and time is very impressive. Plus, happy early in the morning? Hmmm, I might have to try that again...

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  7. Good job! I'll remember that running line next time I'm on my treadmill and bored out of my skull!!

    I'm super impressed with all your running! Your doing great!

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  8. That's so true - there is a bike ride I do that I would dread the end of it because it was all uphill. It wasn't until I counted it and realized my giant hill that I was thinking of the entire bike ride? Was only 60 seconds! That turned the whole thing around for me.

    Woop on getting in all those miles!

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  9. I love random thought posts! I set them aside to read on my breaks :D

    Love, love that first thought on running the mile you are in. I do that with biking, too. Usually thinking about getting to that big hill point so it is done with.

    John and I push each other as well, usually with me doing most of the talking going up hills (sometimes with profanity).

    So glad you are back into running. It's so obvious how much you enjoy it.

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    1. LOL, there *might* be some profanity with us as well.

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  10. Yay, looking forward to it!! I ASSURE you it will be a CRAZY SLOW run. I am getting over being sick Monday/Tues from a severe migraine, so it will be an eeeeaaassssyyy run Thursday morning --- you can use it as a recovery! LOL ;)

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    1. That is not a problem for me - you know I'm good with slow running! See you bright and early tomorrow! :)

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  11. You should be VERY proud of 37 miles! That is fantastic!

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  12. Yay!! Good for you Shelley! I'm going to do that too (add up my miles), I wonder how many I can run in May? You are doing great :-)

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  13. This was such a nice post to read. I can feel your happiness. That is a lot of miles, too, girl!

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  14. I had a coach that told us to run the mile we're in, and I think of that all the time when I am running. It really can apply to life as well though, can't it?

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