A Passion for Running

This winter has been brutal. There’s just been so much cold and snow – the latter being the much bigger challenge. It’s only been during the last couple of weeks that winter has begun releasing its grip. But, even in these past fourteen or so days, running has been difficult because of all the slush and ice I’ve had to contend with. Last week I wrenched my neck trying not to fall on some ice, and this Saturday I got a very nasty raspberry on my knee when I actually did fall. Ouch.

And it seems I am not done whining because, as the snow and ice have given way to clear pavement, I’ve been surprised that even running on “good footing” has presented me with a bit of a challenge. It seems that pavement is harder than snow and ice (aside: the colder it gets, the harder the pavement and soles of your shoes get).

You may snicker but going from 70 miles a week on snow to 70 miles a week on pavement was not a 5-second transition – it took me most of last week to adapt. The solution: To intensify my focus on a quick foot-pull and high stride rate.

The Good News: I’m back to feeling light on my feet with no aches, pains or signs of pronounced fatigue.

The Better News: Even though it’s hanging on as long as it can, winter is about to lose the battle I’ve been waging against it.

The Best News: Winter didn’t kill me – in fact, slogging through all that snow has made me stronger.

I’m ready for hills.

One hour nice and slow (really slow) today. Feeling great. Coach said to run the long run tomorrow slowly. I’m looking forward to that.

Coach gave me instructions to take it easy for several days in order to get rested up for the beginning of phase 2 – hill training.

I have been trying to take it easy. However, today my brain and body conspired against me in the most bewildering way and I’m still shaking my head. Here are the details for today’s “easy” run.

Time: 1:29:40
Distance: 11.71 miles
Pace: 7:39 minutes per mile
Average Heart Rate: Unknown but estimated at 160 or so

If you’ve been following along, you may be as shocked as I because today’s 90 minute easy pace was faster than my fastest recorded 60 minute hard pace. !?!?!?!?

Here are my excuses explanations for seemingly going against the Coach’s instructions:

1. I didn’t bring my heart rate monitor along because there seems to be something wrong with it (I think the receiver needs a new battery because I already replaced the battery in the transmitter) and was unable to judge effort by heart rate.
2. The run felt easy – at least it felt easy for the first 70 out of the 90 minutes. HONEST!

I spent the week having sluggish runs. The sluggishness seemed to be dissipating yesterday. All I can think is that the rest Coach has me on is really effective. The result: Today’s run had the rest behind it to reveal new potential.

Jeff and his wife smsmh are about to become parents. I can’t wait till Jeff’s powers of memory fade as they do when one becomes a parent. Sweet, sweet justice is mine!

Go wish Jeff congratulations!