Expected Joy

Yesterday was the a local 5K that's been around for nine years of which I've done for seven years (twice virtual). It's a good race for a good cause and I greatly enjoy being able to support the foundation. The 5K route has changes little bits over the year, but the one constant is the last half mile or so to the finish which is up a drive way entrance to the parking lot of a ski lodge. It is toooough. 

The first 1.5 miles is all downhill, but it's not enough to make up for the little bit back up and then this hill. It is enough for you too run too fast and then die. I've done that (last year was the worst) and I also can hear and see others do the same. 

This year I didn't have an expectation going in and actually convinced myself I wouldn't race since the marathon was fairly recent and I've only been bopping along. But it's hard not to go when the stat happens so I did and I felt like I was mentally in a good spot. I started quick and then eased myself back for the remainder of the downhill knowing that, in years past when I've bombed a sub-seven minute mile I feel much more apart at the next 1.5 miles. I didn't look much at my watch (still in auto lap mode) and went by feel. When we took the turn to head back I said to myself "okay, now it when the hard work begins". I didn't shy away from it and aimed to embrace it.

I had a couple guys around me and latched on just passed mile two, trying to be pulled by them and then I realized I was the one pulling them which was fine so I just kept going. The driveway was brutal as always, but I jogged it and then regrouped at the top (passing two women on the way). The stomach was tense for a couple steps after the touch spot, but I got it back under control. There was no one to try and catch so I just ran.

Turns out I ran nearly a PR on this course and I won my age group. I had some tummy tumbles right at the end, but held it together. I was happy with this and it was a nice boost after Bayshore (which still wasn't BAD, but it wasn't what I wanted) so it was nice to have a victory this time. My husband got second overall, fun to seem him in the front pack at the turn around) and also won his age group. 

It was a good day.

And, even though it wasn't a PR technically, it was the first time I did the last mile in under eight minutes so that's pretty neat.

My achilles is very pissed at me so I need to try and address that. I'm hoping this little push may be some of the hump I need to get over and the dusting myself off. Ideally, I'll be able to manage this achilles things and start to bring in my, even optimistic, strength training in the mix. My mom comes into town this Wednesday so there will be a little less running which isn't a bad thing (not like I'm doing a ton, but you get what I mean).

Think of London and the Girl

There's not much to my workout/running these days. It's just some miles when I feel like it or what coach has put on the schedule. The plan is to do a fall half with a few shorter races sprinkled in. We're starting to get summer-like weather and, with that, comes the humidity. I always say I'm going to handle it better *this year* and always do it the same.

But THIS YEAR!

Meh, who knows, but it's always a goal.

One silly issue that gets in the way is these aligners because it makes a whole Thing of taking anything other than water. Luckily, I am closer to the end then the beginning so I don't hate the idea of being less strict with them, but I also don't want to have an issue or undo the work that I had done.

This week I logged 10.50 miles and they were all fine. Not much to write home about, but they didn't feel like a chore and nothing screamed at me so that's all good. I may see how morning runs fit in this go around, but, very much like managing the humidity, most of that is just wishful thinking.

But I Did Not Lose

Coming back into running is taking a bit this go around. Last year, I was riding the high of my race turnout and was ready to go! right away. The body needed time, and a hard Marcotte 5k definitely highlighted that, but I was instantly excited for the next thing.

The year before with Providence I was emotionally not ready but physically and mentally I needed to get going again to prove I was okay. I got out pretty quick and just kept going all the way into getting a coach.

This year I’m not sure where I’m at. There’s a bit of emotional whiplash from this block with home and work. It was a lot of work to get through this block and I feel like I’m still recovering. I feel like I’m needing the ability to say no to running but I also hate that. So I’m saying kinda to it.

Today’s run was the first since Bayshore were I felt a bit like my old self with some pep and not just awkward aches and things. It seems like running is waiting for me which is nice and I’ll get there soon.

Tomorrow is the Marcotte 5k which I’m pretty sure I’ll go to and just see what happens. But if I wake up and I feel like crap I won’t.

And I'll dream each night of some version of you.That I might not have, but I did not lose. Now you're tire tracks and one pair of shoes. And I'm split in half, but that'll have to do.

So Put Your Best Face on Everybody

I’m just out of Bayshore training and went back to the road for the first time. I certainly felt myself slipping in some life decisions in terms of food and beverages and non-exercising so getting the running shoes back on was a good idea.

The 3 miles were slow and a little awkward but not bad. It is Global Running Day so I sort of *had* to run.

I don’t yet know if I’m excited for a training block (I have time to get there) but I am happy to be working back into a routine.

At the End of the Day

I give myself some space to relax and, really, sort of fall apart or let go. 

One week. 

One week of eating mostly what I want, having drinks, little exercise. Just enough to relax and just start to feel bad enough that you want to get it back together. 

So today is the end. Tomorrow is back to the old me. Maybe not quite as dedicated as when in the middle of a training block, but back on a track. 

*there’s another day dawning