back! (bay)
So I’m baa-ack! I know, you’re thrilled to no end, right? Did you miss me? Probably not bc the only person that reads this is probably my sister Mariel and I see her all the time. Hi Mariel!
Anyway, I wanted to write about my training a little bit - training for the SF Half now. It’s in two weeks! So most of my training is behind me. Just wanted to write a little bit about how it’s going.
My first (and only) long run was on Saturday. It was purrrfect weather for a long run. I went out a bit late, around 8:30, but luckily it was overcast. I was mentally preparing for this run all week. I made myself start pretty slow, around 9:40 pace or so. I just let myself enjoy it - enjoy how it felt to be running and I kept telling myself that I felt good. I started to worry a little about the weather and about how it would feel in an hour or two and I worried that it would get hot. And then I made myself stop worrying and just enjoy how it felt in the moment - the weather felt perfect in the moment. Worrying about it getting hot wouldn’t stop the weather from getting hot - it would just take away the moments of enjoying the weather at the time. So after I got over that I just kept thinking positively and thanking God about giving me the this body to run in. I ran around back bay and it was so pretty.
music vs. no music
Before I used to wear headphones on almost every run. It was nice to be able to have something else to focus on - it distracted me from the pain of running. But now, I find myself running with out my headphones. I actually brought them on my run because I thought 12 miles would be too long without music but I didn’t need to wear them. I like running without headphones because I like embracing and absorbing what’s around me and being in the moment - listening to birds, listening to my breathing, thinking about how I’m feeling, enjoying each step, letting my mind wander. I decided that I won’t bring headphones when I do that half - there will be so much other stuff going on - other runners, the pretty views, bands - I don’t want to miss any of it! I want to enjoy the race fully.
Gummies!
I took powerbar gummies on my half. I stuck them in the pocket of my new lulu shorts. It worked out well. They were a nice energy boost and they taste so much better than gels. I think I will bring those for the half.
Anyway, I finished up the run - toward the end it was getting hot and so I just really wanted to finish so I picked up the pace a bit. The heat really makes a difference. So glad the SF half is starting at 5:30 and it’s in the bay so heat definitely won’t be a problem.
Recovery
I felt fine the next day - not sore at all. Decided to go on a short, quick 4 miler with a hill. Felt awesome! I really try to push for speed on the short runs. Felt great to push my lungs and legs. Average pace of about 8:42.
