If you’re going through hell
Keep on going, don’t slow down
If you’re scared, don’t show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you’re there
Okay, you can call me a drama queen after that opening, yet this was largely my mindset coming into the week. After last Saturday’s 15-miler, I was not in a good spot mentally or physically. Yet, my goal for this week was: a clean slate. The first five weeks were simply about putting in the miles. This week was about a new attitude and not beating myself up.
Week 6 was scheduled for another 29 miles awaiting me at the weekend, including 18 miles which, after last week’s debacle, I was dreading. One big plus for the week was that Mother Nature finally put away her magnifying glass and afforded New England runners a break from the laborious humidity and high heat of the past month or so.
Most of the week was rather humdrum, a couple of treadmill runs due to heavy early morning rains, but overall productive. Then there was Saturday, a day of two perceived extremes: an 18-miler (Hell) and a lobster bake (Heaven).
Good spot to build off for the next 10 weeks.
I went at the 18-miler a little different than I’ve approached any long run…I didn’t go all-out. I decided to go out at 8’00”/mi and live in a +/- 10 second range during the duration, instead of going out at 7’20” and petering out after 9 miles or so. The plan worked and the 18-miles, although not fast, were comfortable. Not quite the hell I was expecting.
After putting that notch in my belt, it was time to refuel. For that I turned to steamers, mussels, chowder, gin & tonics, sauvignon blanc, and lobster! Considering how good I felt for Sunday’s 5-miler, I think I should stick to this refuel plan going forward. I wonder how our budget will handle that?!
LOBSTAH!
Only 10 weeks to go…GAME ON!!! Have a great week everyone.
Categories: Running
Pass Me a Green Drink! 
Week 7: Shaving and Cicadas 
Week 5: Acceptance and a mojito 
Week 4: Rough…to say the least 
The Slant 
Looks like you certainly bounced back! And under 8:00 pace for 18 miles is really impressive.
Thanks. Hopefully I can improve upon it for 20 miles this Saturday.
I hope you had a terrific weekend and thanks for your encouragement!
Well your mileage is certainly encouraging me to run more than I have been.
That’s awesome to hear, thank you. Do you have any runs/races coming up?
A 10k in early September…hoping that’ll jump-start my running a bit.
WOW, great job on the long run! I have never tried lobster…maybe it is about time?! Good luck this week.. keep kicking butt!
Thanks!
So between Mojitos and Lobster, that’s almost a full meal to try. Highly recommend lobster, but experience is different for everyone. At first I kinda liked it, but eventually I’ve grown to love it.
Hope you have a great week!