Wednesday, June 14, 2017

WWU - There's No Explanation

I've been running since 2009, and I'm still mystified by why things go the way they do sometimes.  I mean, I understand when running is tough - living with heat and humidity like we do makes for most of our runs in those conditions feel like a beatdown.  But every once in a while, I get a good run, which gives me hope and keeps me going.  However, last week?  I had four good runs, which is unheard of, even in cooler weather.  So naturally, I feel the need to document each of those runs because of the rarity of that happening.

Run number 1 - Tuesday:  Four miles with Diane.  Temperature was 70 degrees, humidity was 100%, with a very slight breeze.  We ran our usual intervals (run 1:30, walk 45), but we were running faster than usual, and we both mentioned it, but didn't really slow down.  The nice thing about doing intervals is that yes, you can run faster than normal, but it's only for a set period of time before you get a walking break.  By the last mile, we weren't chatting at all, and when we finished, I realized why - that was our fastest mile, by close to a minute!  Crazy - usually we start off fast and then slow down.

Diane and I after our 2 miles on Global Running Day.

Run number 2 - Wednesday:  Global Running Day, which meant of course we were going to run!  While I prefer to have a day between runs, we couldn't pass up the celebration.  I've made it a point to run every year on Global/National running day since 2010, except for the year of my injured ankle.  Temperature was 70 degrees, humidity was 88%, no breeze.  We ran our usual intervals, but once again, were running faster than usual for us, and our last mile was one second faster than our fast last mile the day before!  What the what?!  It was weird.
Brooks had an online event for the big day where you could sign up to become officially endorsed by them and get a check for a dollar (I'm thinking I'll splurge and buy a GU with that buck, LOL), and you could also upload a picture - I just happened to have one from my birthday run where I was wearing a Brooks shirt and visor, so I had to do it.  What can I say - I enjoy the crazy camaraderie of being part of the running community!

Run number 3 - Thursday:  I woke up feeling a few twinges in my hip and ankle, but we had a plan for today's run, so run we did.  Temperature was 72 degrees, humidity was 78%, with a slight southern breeze.  Diane and I ran the first mile doing intervals, and then we ran the second mile straight through.  This is the first time I've run a mile straight through in forever - seriously, it's been close to a year, I'll bet.  But it's something I've been working on for the last few weeks, and I've been building up to that distance on our Thursday runs - and I did it!!  I had a bit of a side stitch for the last quarter mile, which I haven't experienced in a long time, but that's OK - it was still a great run.

We were treated to a beautiful pink sunrise on our Saturday morning run - it was hard to capture in pictures, but it so nice to see in person!

Run number 4 - Saturday:  Group run with the Renegades!  I ran with Diane, Cary, and Julia - we set out to do 3 or 4 miles (gotta love not being in training mode).  Temperature was 68 degrees, humidity was 94%, with a whisper of a breeze occasionally.  I felt great the entire run - we ran intervals, chatting and enjoying each other's company, and as we were nearing mile 3, I suggested taking a little half mile detour but was voted down - hah!  However, as we approached the turn toward the clubhouse, Diane said she'd keep running with me if I wanted to go a little farther, so we kept going, but so did Cary and Julia...we ended up doing an extra half mile, for a total of 3.5 miles.  Once again, I finished a run feeling fantastic - what a great way to end a week of running!

As you can see by the temperature and humidity levels I listed for each run, we didn't have optimal weather; I might be getting more accustomed to running in it, but that still doesn't explain so many great runs in a row.  Sometimes, there just isn't a rhyme nor reason for why running feels so good, but when it happens, it's cause for celebration!

17 comments:

  1. Yes to negative splits! There's nothing like that feeling when you realize you did it. I say "yours is not to reason why, yours is but to do or die."
    Enjoy that running streak for as long as it lasts!

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    1. I did, for sure. Yesterday's run was good followed by a struggle for mile four, so in other words, back to normal, LOL.

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  2. Hey, don't question it, just ride the wave! What a wonderful week of runs!

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  3. What a great way to celebrate running day....turn it into running week!

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  4. Who knows why the human body works like it does? I echo the sentiments of the other commenters--just enjoy the whole event! Who knows, maybe this will be the new normal for your running life!!

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    1. I wish it were the new normal, but alas, things are back to my usual way of running.

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  5. I am hoping this comment sticks - they haven't been showing up lately :(

    I have been walking at night when the temps are cooler, and I've been doing walk/run intervals, and it feels like I am going fast on the runs?! I think of you when I run because you inspire me!!

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    1. It's a miracle - I was beginning to think you didn't read here anymore!

      I think going fast on interval runs is great - kind of like a little bit of speedwork thrown in. Good job, and lucky you on cooler evening temps!

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  6. What a great idea to chronicle the entire series of great runs! Now you have something to refer back to when you have a streak of difficult ones. Because it is a crazy game, this running thing...

    Thinking of you as I run this week - it's been 50 degrees when I head out at 5am. I know I have it easy with PNW running weather!

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    1. Oh man, I am super jealous of your perfect running weather!!!

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  7. Take that good running streak and run with it LOL!

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  8. I'm glad that you had such good runs. Do you keep a running journal? That is a great way to document runs and then look back. I love my running journal.

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    1. I do keep a running journal but I think I rely more on my blog to remind me of good (and not-so-good) runs.

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  9. Nice job! I bet you are getting a bit accustomed to it! And it sounds like you and Diane make a great pair of training partners!

    That's cool you did the Brooks Athlete thing!!!!

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