Week 14... Sweet 16!
Hard to believe it's been 14 weeks already! It seems like I just started my training journey with Team In Training. I guess time truly does fly when you're having fun. :-)
Not that this weekend's run could be described as "fun". It was actually very, very hard. I ran 16 miles on Saturday. Two weeks ago, when I ran 14 miles, that had been the longest single run of my life. Not anymore. I broke that record yesterday with a very challenging 16 mile run - the first 6 miles were quite hilly, and the wind was quite strong. I had to be extremely conscious of my speed and effort - making sure I wasn't pushing hard at any point. There are some very steep hills on the route, so it makes it hard to not push hard. (If that makes any sense!) The last 10 miles were much flatter and "easier" in terms of terrain, although the wind was still blowing pretty good. Running with my coach, we discussed in great detail how running in these conditions was making me a stronger runner. "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger" Except, I wasn't so sure that this wouldn't kill me! ;-)
I learned the value of hydration during this run. There was a 6 mile stretch where I didn't have any water or Gatorade, and it was pretty brutal. Next time I take that route, I'll plan my fluids better. Every run is truly a learning experience. So not only do I get the endurance benefits of the long run, I also learn some tidbit of marathoning wisdom that will help me on race day.
During the last 1/2 mile or so of my 16 mile run, I found the energy to pick up the pace and finish strong. I always try to do this - if I can finish the run strong, I know I've paced myself well. I also know that I have enough fuel in the tank to keep going... so I feel pretty good about tackling next weekend's 18 mile run. It certainly won't be easy, but it's "just 2 more miles". :-)
Not that this weekend's run could be described as "fun". It was actually very, very hard. I ran 16 miles on Saturday. Two weeks ago, when I ran 14 miles, that had been the longest single run of my life. Not anymore. I broke that record yesterday with a very challenging 16 mile run - the first 6 miles were quite hilly, and the wind was quite strong. I had to be extremely conscious of my speed and effort - making sure I wasn't pushing hard at any point. There are some very steep hills on the route, so it makes it hard to not push hard. (If that makes any sense!) The last 10 miles were much flatter and "easier" in terms of terrain, although the wind was still blowing pretty good. Running with my coach, we discussed in great detail how running in these conditions was making me a stronger runner. "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger" Except, I wasn't so sure that this wouldn't kill me! ;-)
I learned the value of hydration during this run. There was a 6 mile stretch where I didn't have any water or Gatorade, and it was pretty brutal. Next time I take that route, I'll plan my fluids better. Every run is truly a learning experience. So not only do I get the endurance benefits of the long run, I also learn some tidbit of marathoning wisdom that will help me on race day.
During the last 1/2 mile or so of my 16 mile run, I found the energy to pick up the pace and finish strong. I always try to do this - if I can finish the run strong, I know I've paced myself well. I also know that I have enough fuel in the tank to keep going... so I feel pretty good about tackling next weekend's 18 mile run. It certainly won't be easy, but it's "just 2 more miles". :-)
posted by Emily at
11:28 AM
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