While the rest of blogland is finding itself smothered by unseasonal snow, we in the lower North Island of Kiwiland are enjoying a late summer. P and I spent part of the long weekend up in a beach house in Otaki with my sister and some of her friends. The weather was beautiful, and a couple of days off (I ran, sort of, before we left, but pretty much did nothing after that), some sun and some saltwater (I can't believe i was SWIMMING in April- the water was amazing...) was just what I needed to get better- not quite 100%, but high 90s at least!
So this morning I set out for my one and only 20-miler (my FIRST programme is a beginners' one, so the long runs started with 8 and there's just one 18 and one 20 over the 18 weeks- that's why I was so agitated about missing it!). I changed my route from what I'd originally planned- from a monster climb and some exploring, to a fairly straightforward extension/variation of my usual coastal route- a couple of shortish hills and soem undulation, but otherwise flat. I was feeling very nervous and still a little bit funny in the chest and in my legs.
I had a GREAT run. It wasn't my fastest (I was a much faster 20-miler when I ran with A last year), but it was a perfect day, and I mostly felt fine. Not awesome, I wouldn't even say "strong", but "fine." Plus, I finished under target- I thought target was 3:10, so was relieved to come in at 3:09:50- but turns out target was 3:13, so I had a bit more leeway.
So, all in all am feeling OK. I'm going to be taking it easy for the next few weeks- fitting my key runs in, but mostly doing pilates and the odd easy trainer ride/swim otherwise. Work is going to stay crazy pretty much until I start my marathon time off, so I just need to keep healthy. I will focus on nutrition too- am on a candy detox until after the race!
10 comments:
Nice 20 miler Kate! Glad you are starting to feel like your old self. It can be so hard to shake off being sick when work is stressful and training and everything. You are so right you have to eat healthy and think healthy!
Way to go. Feeling fine on a 20 mile run can't be sneezed at. Enjoy the easier weeks as you taper. Hope work lightens up sometime soon!
Beach house, relaxing with friends in the warm weather...I am so jealous!!!!
Great job on the 20!!! Enjoy your taper!
Well done Kate! :)
I'm impressed with your run time ... sub 6 min ks over 32k. That's where I want to be in 12 months time ready for next year's M.
Have you set yourself a goal time for the M???
Mike
Hey, no snow here! :) And we had summer, too... for two days last week. I was (am) sick, and missed it. hmmfph!
Great job on your 20-miler! Look out marathon, here you come!
Glad you are feeling better and worked in that 20 miler. Awesome job!
Nice job on the 20-miler! I can't even imagine doing that distance yet, let alone at your speed!
Our temps are FINALLY rising above 40 degrees and I can only hope that the snow is done. Atleast until next OCT/NOV!
Great run! I am so dreading the long stuff- you give me some hope that it won't be totally miserable!
:-)
You'll be great in the Marathon!
Jodi
Awesome job Kate...way to hit those targets!!
Post a Comment