Stronger Each Day

To go from absolutely no running for 12 weeks, to building a base, to increasing the miles is familiar territory for me.  I know we all are different, and our bodies adapt differently to hard training, but mine is so predictable.  At first, it’s like starting over from the beginning where a 3-5 mile run feels, and looks, like hard work at what would be considered an easy pace.  When I download my data from my Polar, my heart rate (HR) is in the red zone, and I feel like I ran 3X actual distance (physically and mentally).  My long runs feel like torture with my feet aching from the pounding, my legs get tight from the work, and my mind is week and restless with the wanting to find an excuse to stop short of the intended distance.  Then the frustration knowing this was once a really easy run not too long ago.  Nevertheless, the body and mind needed some down time to recoup and get the mojo and strength back.

Then something magical happens, like a flip of the switch, my 5 mile runs feel routine, with a faster pace and lower HR, to the point it feels comfortable.  My long runs now become something I look forward to as I experiment with nutritional intake, pace, and HR.  My attitude improves as I balance pushing myself while avoiding injury.

Trail Run Pics at FATS

 I know when I start back running, it’s going to be tough.  But I also know after a few weeks I will hit that magical switch and everything will be where I left it going into the break, only better.  I hit this point last week and it felt great.  The only thing I need to be careful of is an injury because this is when I’m most vulnerable.

Trail Run

As for training these past two weeks:

Mon – 5M & weight lifting

Tues – 6M tempo & weights / bike

Wed – 7M

Thurs – 4M & weights

Fri – 5M & weights / bike

Sat – Off

Sun – 24 M

Mon – 3M & bike

Tues – 7M & weights

Wed – 5M tempo & weights

Thurs – Bike

Fri – 26M on Trails (perfect day and felt incredible being on the trails again)

Sat – Hill repeats

Trail Run

 And to top the week off, I was honored by taken my daughter to the Father / Daughter annual dance at social.  I learned the foxtrot and a few other dances that where an absolute blast.  After, it was Dairy Queen for hot fudge sundaes.  Making memories for a lifetime, one day at a time!