Bad Run, Decent Time

Contrary to my previous post …

There are good runs and there are bad ones. When it’s bad … es no bueno. My usual routine before my long run when it comes to mapping a run is either set out on a route that has been recommended to me or go to MapMyRun.com, make a few twist and turns and write down the directions. Then, off I go without much of a clue in how the run is going to pan out. Needless to say, the verdict was not in my favor this time.

Let me start with some positivity since there isn’t a great deal of it that pours out of this past long run. I was a little more than a mile into my 11-mile run when I saw an older man running in my direction. He was obviously a veteran runner with his spandex running outfit and long, lean physique. To my surprise, he slowed up when we crossed paths and asked if I wanted some company. “Sure, I’d love company,” was my response. We chatted about running, races we’ve competed in and the Boston Marathon for about two miles. He’d run Boston twice roughly 20 years ago and he was going to try and qualify again next year. Of course I asked for advice being a relatively new runner and a virgin Boston marathoner and like everyone else he had heard countless things about heartbreak hills before he faced Boston for the first time. So, he concentrated on those and during the race he worked to conquer them. Around mile 20 when the hills were evening out he realized that he still had another six miles to go … something he did not concentrate on. I guess that goes for most things in life … don’t focus on the tough parts or one thing in particular … keep your eye on your bigger goal and all else will become just a part of the race (figuratively and literally).


Anyway, he left just short of three miles into my run and I was on my own for the next eight. It started out with rolling hills here and there, nothing to speak of, but I made a turn and it was for the worst. Maybe I wasn’t hydrated well-enough and maybe I just wasn’t in the moment but the steep inclines got the best of me that day. I walked for a minute or so about three times, feeling pretty terrible for a majority of the run. If I didn’t know any better I would have thought I was pulling a 30 pound wagon behind me with lead in my shoes. My average pace ended up being 8:27. I’m more than satisfied with that considering how I felt.

I wasn’t going to do anything on Sunday but I knew a recovery workout might work in my favor. A run outside didn’t seem too appealing, especially after the day before, so I went to my apartment’s fitness center and did an hour on the elliptical. I didn’t push any limits but I was worked hard enough to break a decent sweat. Time passed quickly as I watched the end of the Louisville basketball game (Chris is a huge UofL fan). They won in the last seconds! Then I watched the USA hockey game. Very exciting but a disappointing finish to the game. Oh well – I’m proud of our boys.

Tonight was another elliptical night. I think my knees appreciate a break from the constant pounding. Again, it was an hour-long workout and this time I worked a lot harder.

I’ll post again soon but in the meantime, happy running! We have Daylight Savings Time to look forward to!!!! YAY! :-)