Monday, August 26, 2019
I only feel good after 10 miles (marathon training thoughts)
I did my 19-mile training run this past Saturday. I did not feel well most of the week - I was tired, weak, my legs hurt, and I felt pretty down - and the Friday before I barely talked. I DREADED running 19 miles. I just knew this was going to be the "bad run."
Well, it wasn't. Honestly, it wasn't bad at all. Oh, sure, I felt miserable at the end of it and could barely heat my breakfast up when I got home. But I could go up and down the stairs, and Sunday morning my legs felt fine. It's weird how my legs actually feel BETTER the day after long runs.
I think it was somewhere between 11 and 13 miles that I recall feeling like I was prancing along like a deer. I felt great!
So, somewhere along the way (there's a lot of time to think when running for 3 1/2 hours, and it's difficult to keep track of where and when and whatnot), I remember thinking to myself: I wonder why I feel so much better when I am well into a long run, than I do.... almost any other time?! I'm talking physically, mentally, emotionally... entirely. I had felt miserable the whole week, and after plodding along for 12 miles or so, I felt like I could rule the world!
Well, if you know much about the enneagram, and sixes in particular, you might just know why. If a terrible scenario can be imagined, a six will imagine it. I suppose it's just like going to the doctor or dentist. The anticipation TOTALLY freaks me out. Yet, once I get in the office, or the chair, I'm good. So, I guess, the anticipation of all that can go wrong on a long run (which is actually quite a lot), is much worse than the run itself. Meh... whatever.
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On another note... While I am feeling pretty good this year, I did finally take a gander back at my training last year. I was running much faster last year than this. For instance, I did both my 18 and 19 mile runs last year at under 10-minute miles. I think even my 20-mile run last year - on a treadmill - was at a 10-minute-mile pace. This year I have purposely been running a good minute per mile slower than last year. Everything I've read says the long runs don't need the be fast. The most important thing is the amount of time on your feet. So I'm still holding out hope I can beat the 4 1/2 hours I ran last year's marathon in.
In spite of the previous paragraph, I have also decided that I don't care about time with this marathon. Last year I merely wanted to finish, but I also wanted to beat Oprah's time (4 1/2 hours). This year, as I anticipate running by myself, I simply want to enjoy the ride. Yes, I'd like to average 10-minute miles. Yet, if I don't, that's alright. I'd like to live a little more 'in the moment' (or 'in the hours,' if you will). I want to be happy when I finish, not concerned about anything but enjoy the fact I am an old man who can get out and run... and feel good about it.
So, that's the story I'm telling myself today. I still can't say that I "like" running... but around 10-15 miles, if it feels good... you can bet there will be a big ol' smile on my face. :)
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