Lots of
work. Way too much work. But there’s also been running. Maybe not enough, but I’m working on it. And a few races too.
Two
weeks ago, Carrie and I ran the Derry 16 miler.
I had run it a couple of times prior, so was very familiar with the
hills/mountains, the weather, and the badass feeling you get when you complete
it. It did not disappoint. It was one of those single digit days, with a
good dose of wind – you know, the kind of wind that completely freezes your
face mask so it feels like sandpaper if it moves. Yes, that kind of wind. But it’s the race to run if you want to get
stronger.
Last
weekend, Scott asked to run with me – which I love, but I always worry that my
slower pace kills him. I had had a few “meh”
weeks of running, so I was hoping our run would reignite a little fire in
me. It did! We ran 15 miles, including many hills and at
an 8:44 pace! I got to run one of my
favorite hilly courses that I haven’t run in a really long time, because it’s
too isolated to run comfortably solo. We
talked and ran our way through 15 miles and I felt great. Re-ignition complete!
I was extremely pleased with today’s run because of the pace consistency. And I can easily identify/understand some of the slower
miles on the elevation chart...
These
longer runs are for what, you ask? For
this little gem next weekend! I’ve
always wanted to take this race for a spin!
And if I’m
being completely transparent, there’s also this brand spanking new marathon on the agenda...
And just
so things don’t get boring, I’m throwing in this half marathon in for the following
week...
The pot
of gold at the end of this “race lineup” rainbow? Ta-daaaaa.....
Taking
on this 50K trail race in Maine during Memorial Day weekend!
So it
behooves me to balance this work thing out sooner than later and get my butt on
the treadmill, on the roads, on the trails…..wherever it needs to be so I can
feel good about my training and about my ultimate experience as I work my way
through this winter/spring "line up”!
How are
you keeping your winter running exciting??
Wow - you have a lot of great races coming up!
ReplyDeleteI'm a boring treadmill runner in the winter (I don't really mind the treadmill) because I hate the snow and cold.
I'm right there with you Kim! Most of my runs lately have been on the TM. Today's long run was cold, but at least it was sunny w/ no precipitation. I just couldn't do 18 on the TM :)
DeleteOh my word! That's quite the race line up! Nice.
ReplyDeleteIt's more than I usual sign up for so far in advance, but in a way, it's helping me to stay on track through this very cold winter!
Deleteooohh! I was considering the Pineland race as well… not the 50K but one of the shorter ones. I may have to bump this up now knowing you are going to be there!! Very busy schedule indeed! I have nothing planned at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThat would be cool to finally meet! Scott and his friend ran variations of it a few years back; there seems to be something for everyone, including dogs!
DeleteHow exciting! I wish there was a 20 mile race out my way so that I wouldn't have to run it alone! Good luck with all of your races. Your long runs have been great so I think good things are coming your way!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandy! Yes, we're pretty lucky with a number of 20 mile races (there's even another in March that starts in Maine and travels through Mass and New Hampshire). Nice to have supported long runs :
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