There’s just one long run to go before the Green Strides half marathon.
That’s the first thing that came to mind as soon as Scott and I finished our 12.5 miler on Saturday.
That and “wow, we ran that pretty fast” when I looked down at my watch to see 1:57 as our finishing time. And I have to say, it was a damn good run – this in spite of not one, but two, side cramps that popped up during the run (which surprised me since it’s been awhile since one of those bad boys cropped up).
Like I said the other day, this race in two weeks continues to not be about the PR or any pace goals, whatsoever. It’s about running strong, running happy…but I have to say, seeing us kill these longer runs with a pretty decent time at the end of it? Works wonders for the run-confidence.
This run was really similar to last weekend’s 11-mile long run in that I felt really good basically the whole time. The only thing that was different this time was how much warmer it was (random heat wave in October, I’ll take it!) and that my joints started to ache just a teeny bit during the last couple of miles. I’ll blame that on wear and tear with the final weeks of half training upon us.
…in fact, I’m pretty sure I’ll be taking a self-imposed week off from running after this race in two weeks. Give the joints a bit of a breather. Hold me to that one, ok?
But anyway, what this run also reminded me? To always be thankful for runs like this. Confidence building, challenging-but-oddly-fun runs. I know this isn’t something to ever take lightly and I promise I do not take it for granted one bit. I have to be honest – with every run, I am just amazed at how good and happy and great our running seems to be. I don’t know what it is, but somewhere in these past few months, I’ve seemed to hit my running stride. I don’t know what “did” it, but I promise you, I really, really LOVE it and really, really appreciate it. More than ever.
In other running related news (i.e running “things”):
…I love when funny running “things” happen to good people. Like my sister who ran an unexpected 11+ miler on Saturday, but only because she’s uhhh, directionally challenged, shall we say? If you haven’t read it, you should check out her recap of Saturday’s shenanigans here, it’s pretty funny (especially because I’m pretty sure she jinxed herself with that one!) 😉
…and, while we’re on the topic, I also have to give a big giant shout-out to my girl Heather who accomplished a PDR this weekend. 13.4 miles! GO YOU!!
As you can see, a whole lotta running “things” going on up in my brain lately. I hope you don’t mind the influx of running ramblings lately; I promise I’ll switch it up on ya soon. 😉
EatDrinkBreatheSweat 
I like running “things” so I don’t mind at all!! 🙂
Congrats on the fantastic run. Sounds like you’ve really found your groove!
I figured you might not mind hearing the running “things” that seem to constantly float across my mind lately 😉
Nice run! I love it when they go so well!
Haha, thanks sis for the shout-out…and yes, it was total karma!! I am in agreement on that 😉 I can’t wait to see you run this half sis! Maybe I’ll run part of it off the record while I wait… 😉
I would actually LOVE that, sis. Maybe the last few miles we could run together??
I am so glad you’ve been having some fantastic, self-confidence boosting runs. Wish I could be there running the half with you! And thanks for the shout out 😉
I wish we could run this half together my dear, SOOOOO wish!!
What time does your race start? Maybe I will just have to change my last long run to that Sunday….
It starts at 10am ET – run with me virtually, I’d LOVE THAT!!!!
Running posts are always fine by me! Congrats and nice job on you 12.5 mile run! That is a great time!!!
Yup, you’re definitely almost in taper land – you’re thinking WAY too much about running!!! 🙂
And yes you must take that week off – your body will LOVE you for it.
I just can’t stop the brain from going into running-zone lately, make it stoppp. On second thought, I don’t want it to stop 😉
Ramble away! Glad you are sincerely enjoying all the good stuff that comes with the territory. Think of your tapering as a nice build up so you can explode during your race:)
YAY!!!! WELCOME back my friend!! It’s so good to see you here again 🙂 🙂 🙂
And you’re absolutely right – the build-up to the big day will be SO WORTH it. Explosive is a good way to describe how I’d like to feel on race day 🙂
love all things running here! Heathers PDR, sisters detour (haha, been there), and YOUR CONFIDENCE! rock it woman!
You may not have a time goal, but I just know you are going to KILL this race. And with a smile on your face. Love your strength and confidence. It’s contagious. 🙂
Aww thank you my dear, I’m glad you can sense my excitement and passion about this race, and running it proudly, because that’s all I can think about (or write about) lately. Thank you!!
You are getting so fast! I love that your goal is to be healthy and have fun. Isn’t that really why we all run. I’ll hold you to taking some time off running after the race. =)
I honestly don’t consider myself at ALL a speedy runner, I am just excited that I seem to be running stronger which is so so so important to me…that and avoiding injury, post-race; hence the week off from running I am promising to myself (and all of you!) to stick to after this race!
Awesome! What a great run! I love running things, you know that! LOL
Isn’t it great when you fall into that groove? I feel the same way lately!
It’s great to fall into a groove…but not great when I totally jinx said “running groove” – see my post today and you’ll know what I mean, haha
Do you know how much I admire runners like you? Not just because you have great runs and you achieve PRs or anything like that, but because you really appreciate it. You admit when your running stinks, too. But right now, you’re on a roll, and I honestly believe it’s because you really work at it and you don’t take it for granted. It comes easier to some than to others (like me), and you show the appreciation for what your body can do for you. 🙂
Aww friend, coming from you, after just reading your past few posts on frustration with running, and that means so much. I am SO glad you’ve realized just how imperfect running is, no matter how long you’ve been running, it’s never perfect, it’s never easy. I promise you that – I struggle with it to this day (ahem, today’s post is proof of that!). But its the struggle that’s worth it; the stick-to-your-guns that’s needed with running that makes it so so so worth it in the end.
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