Tuesday, September 1, 2015

August - A Month of Running Happy

I haven't really recapped much about my running in detail on the blog, just mentioned that I am running quite a bit. I have a loose plan most weeks of 2-3 quality runs: tempo, speed/hill and long run. The rest of the runs have just been whatever. For the most part I like to "workout" for at least an hour most days which has translated into a lot of days hitting 6 miles or so.

Nevertheless, I was kind of surprised when I saw my mileage for the month and it was 179 miles!

I have not run that volume in quite some time. From what Daily Mile is telling me in fact, even last year in my Chicago and NYC marathon build up I wasn't running that much. Although to be honest I didn't look back further than September because I am lazy.


But August was pretty awesome for running...

I was away in Montauk which translated to my first real run since NYCM outside.

I love the open road.
August means summer streets and me further getting comfortable with breaking free of the treadmill.

Who doesn't love a desolate Park Avenue?


More than anything else though running became less anxiety filled over my stomach (not without a couple dicey runs that ended in less than ideal situations...but I blew those off immediately) and a lot less frustrating. A short time ago 11-12 minute miles on the treadmill were hard. I've managed runs outside in the past month busting out miles in the 8's and steadily in the 9's. I know pace isn't everything but good lord it is satisfying.

AND I finally feel ready to take the plunge back into races. I haven't raced ONCE this year. The past few years I have run 20+ races each year but this time around I just didn't want to waste the money not knowing how I would feel.

While I am not in the least bit thinking I will be throwing down PR performances (because sub 1:53 half marathon is kind of doubtful right now) I want to get through them feeling good and strong.

I have 2 half's planned right now and have not problem saying that I would really be thrilled to break 2:00. I haven't since fall 2012. That is ridiculous.

If things on the Crohn's front continue to be positive then at least I can get through them happy if nothing else!

But thank you August for a great month. Everyone else might have been bitching about the never ending heat and humidity but every day that I was well enough to wake up and chase down the sunrise, I was happy.

How can this not make you happy?




Onward and upward.

September, I'm coming for you.

2 comments:

  1. Yay for racing again! What half marathons are you planning on running?

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    1. There is an NYC runs one 9/19 that is along the water by the Verrazano - its a double loop out and back and totally flat - so even if warm hoping I can gauge where my pace is. Then planning on Yonkers - net downhill but been warned it is hilly. Now looking for a good November one - that is definitely when I race best. When it is close to freezing temps - Philly is in the running but waiting until I run the first to see if I want to drop the money.

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