I like chatting. I like running comfortably. But I also like the feeling you get after you are completely, one hundred percent spent. I usually feel this way after track or 5K’s because my cardio gets the best workout. Thus why I love speed work. I obviously feel this way after long runs too.
Lately I’ve been taking it easy because I’m coming off an injury and that’s fine by me. But in general I feel like I have yet to really tap into my potential as a runner. When I started running, which wasn’t too long ago, I let my speed come naturally. And for the most part, I have not plateaued yet, but I know that I can work harder.
Coach EK and I have been talking about my running goals after MCM and the Ragnar Relay. I would like to get faster, plain and simple. I know that just finishing any race is a huge accomplishment and believe me, I encourage everyone to race, run, or walk regardless of pace. It just seems that now that I have some more experience under my belt it’s time to step up my game. If I get through MCM and Ragnar injury free then that’s what I shall do.
All of the above said I had one of the best weekends ever. I ran my 20 miler and while the last five miles were very tough, I finished it. I even ran it a bit faster than normal, which is probably why the last five had me cursing like a truck driver in my head.
After the run, I went to the UF vs Kentucky football game with a good friend from college. And I may or may not have had several beers. And Irish Car Bombs. And chomped my fool head off. It was just like back in the day when I was in college. Except that my legs were sore from running and I was D-O-N-E by eleven PM. Hahaha. When did I get so old?
Go Gators!
I hope you all had great weekends and great runs.
I feel like you are speaking to me! I feel the same. I feel like I haven't been training enough and that I am going to absolutely crumble under my first marathon. At least you have three under your belt and have a little bit more confidence. But I too plan on focusing on some speed after I recover from Chitown. Good luck with Ragnar and MCM!!
Congrats on the strong 20 miler – you're in a great place for MCM!
I think everyone needs a good balance between easy, chatty runs and hardcore ones. If you were just hardcore it wouldn't be fun!
I KNOW I have been a lazy runner because I have done NO running at all. I have done all my cardio on the elliptical. In my defense, my leg is pretty bossy at times and gets the best of me.
I absolutely feel the same way. Marathon #2 is next Sunday and just tonight I was talking my (non-runner) hubby's ear off about the things I intend to improve on in the next training cycle. I know there's a faster me in there.
haha I'm usually asleep by 11 PM unless I've taken a disco nap. Even then, I'm usually pooped by midnight.
I'm not LAZY, I'm cautious!!!! Hey, when you get injured and can't run you think about it more.
There's nothing wrong with running coomfortably while training! Leave the racing for race day!
Go Gators!!!
I watched from my couch and had a lazy weekend…Had tickets, but with a 3 hour drive and 2 kids, decided I didn't have enough energy for all of that!! LOL!!
You know how I feel about this! Get out there and show us that sub 23 5k again!!! Better yet, make that sub 22! 😉
Several beers and Irish Car Bombs?! You are a rockstar!
Congrats on finishing that 20-miler! You rock! And I wouldn't call you lazy. You have been through a lot of changes in the past year, big and small. So your focus was on other things. Now if you're ready to focus on running and speed is your goal, there is no doubt in my mind you have unlimited potential! Enjoy MCM and Ragnar, recover, and get ready to kick some serious ass against that clock! And if you need a running partner, I'll be there! Woooooo hoooo!
yes, yes yes. perfectly stated. i am having this trouble myself..I love to just run, but I also want to get better and feel proud of those improvements
Sorry, I'm a little late and getting all caught up!
Congrats on a strong 20 miler 😉 You will def find your speed once you feel comfortable with not being injured. I know you haven't reached your plateu, you've got a fastie waiting inside. It will come! Good luck! You're a rockstar in my book 😉