Whew! Week 14 is in the bag! I have to say, I was nervous about this week. In week 14 last year, the overuse injuries started. This year, I'm doing things a little differently: I'm staying consistent with the cross training and stretching and I'm running easier, not at top speed for every run. I'm also running a lot more miles during the week. It has been explained to me that running 10 miles during the week does not balance out and support a 20 mile run on the weekend. I've always been afraid of high weekly mileage, but here I am, finished with my second 40+ mileage week and I'm feeling great!
My long run this week was 20 miles. I took the little ladies to Michigan for a family birthday party so I was on my own for the long run. I really could have used the conversation with my friends Saturday morning. My grandmother is having serious health problems and my emotions go back and forth between fear, sadness and acceptance. I was in acceptance mode for the first 3 hours of the run. I hit mile 17 and BAM! Waterworks. I cried for the next 3 miles. What the heck is wrong with me?! I was a disaster for the rest of the day. (In my defense, the day before I held it together very well. I was due for a melt down.)
Sunday morning I wanted a few recovery miles. It was pouring so I waited until the rain lightened up a little. I like running in the rain, but a downpour is just asking for chaffing. It was lightly sprinkling when I left. I got about a block away and the rain picked back up. Oh well. I was already wet, might as well keep going. The rain wasn't cold and it wasn't uncomfortable. It was soothing and within minutes I was calm. I let go of all the anxiety and tension I had been holding on to. I think I smiled for the whole run. I saw two other runners out in that mess. One looked totally miserable, it might have been because she was wearing cotton. I felt light and free and content. I even did a split leap over a large puddle. When I got back, I ran up the driveway and my mom was waiting at the door with a towel. The perfect ending to my soggy run. I am so loved. This coming week is going to be a rough one with traveling (without my little ladies) to say goodbye to my grandmother, but I'll manage. Bring on the rain.
Week 14
Monday- 4mi
Tuesday- 9mi
Wednesday- Cross train: abs, arms, buns
Thursday- 4.96mi speedwork 3x800
Friday- rest
Saturday- 20mi
Sunday- recovery 2.76mi
Total for week 14: 40.72mi
April Burpees Challenge
April 9- 9 burpees
April 10- 10 burpees
April 11- 11 burpees
April 12- 12 burpees
April 13- 13 burpees
April 14- 14 push ups (after 20 miles, my legs weren't up for burpees)
April 15- 15 burpees
Total burpees this week: 70
Total burpees in April: 106
How was your training this week?
Do you run in the rain?
One early morning mother runner's thoughts about running, parenting and life in general.
Great training. I'm sorry about your Grandma. I can relate to the emotions getting to you, glad you were able to have that time to let go.
ReplyDeleteI run in anything that won't kill me. HA. :)