Sunday, April 18, 2010

10 miler number 2 - Tough one today!

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its successful outcome.”
William James

Having the right attitude is such an important part of success. Today, it was raining and windy and chilly...and physically, I felt tired before I even started. Plus, this morning I had an appointment with my trainer at the gym to update my training program (I love the novelty of a new program). However, that means I had to try out these new exercises so she could tell me if I was doing them right. I didn't do lots of repetitions, but I still had to do them. Then, when I got home, uber hubby suggested we go for our 16K before lunch. So, I got ready and off we went. As you may have gotten from my title, today was hard...I felt tired and my legs were heavier. Last week, I ran 16K and half the run was on serious hills, yet it felt easier than this week, which had fewer hills. Actually, it took me longer this week...I completed  my 10 miles in 2h03m, thats a 12.18min/mile pace (7.40min/K). Although, I should mention that after 3K I once again had to take a "necessary" bathroom break, I also changed my bra (I had forgotten to change into my sports bra) and I didn't stop my watch right away, so I'm guessing that affected my time. Still, did I mention it was hard...BUT, it never occured to me to not do the whole thing...I knew I could get through it. They can't all be easy, but I'm still confident that I will be able to complete my half marathon in May. Although, I admit that after today the full marathon feels a little scarier. Perhaps NYC in 2012, as my friend J suggested...but, don't hold me to this :)

Regardless of today's run, I'm still very proud of myself, because I have never run so many miles in one week (24 miles/38.5Kms)!! I completed every single workout on my training program for this week (I often end up skipping one of the runs - but, not this week), and the mileage was increased on most days. I also went to both yoga classes and did my strength training at the gym (plus some extra core work). So, it totally makes sense that I was tired on my long run today. What did I learn from that? Well, perhaps it's better for me to skip one of the short steady runs on my program when I include all those cross-training sessions. I'm adapting and learning as I go and I'm going to keep on doing what I have to do, to do what I want to do!
Cheers!

25 comments:

runningfrom said...

woohoo!! i get first dibs at commenting for once! i will do this is 2 parts so that i can post something before anyone else......to be continued...

runningfrom said...

hah. ok, now i can focus on what i wanted to say. as you know i did my first 20 miler today and i had the same experience. from the first step my legs felt heavy. the weather sucked. having done the 18 miler last week i had some confidence that i could do it, but mentally i was not feeling it. it is still such a mystery how to me how unpredictable and different every run is, like they each have their own personality and energy. today's run was a pouty, slightly rebellious child, but not hopeless. i am so proud of you and i think nyc 2012 is an exciting goal and i hope we can work towards it together. you are gonna kick ass in 6 weeks! j'xx

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

No matter how hard it was, you did it! And that's awesome. Congrats on a weekly mileage PR! So cool!

Laura said...

Well done for getting through it, I found 10 miles so grueling when I tried it on Friday. And I had fresh legs and good weather! Sometimes though the hardest runs are the most rewarding cause against all odds you came through and finished it when it would have been much easier to give up!

Congrats on the weekly mileage PR, I haven't broken 20 miles in a week yet, I was close this week I think I was 19.something hehe! Keep up the good work :-)

inspiREDtorun13 said...

Very nice work! The runs that I complete feeling my worst are the ones I'm most proud of. You'll remember this run and this week for a long time!

Jennifer said...

Way to go with the training! Your improvement is major. Getting through the tough ones means that you have less of those to get through and more good ones to celebrate!

ajh said...

Good job on getting a tough one done!

Amy said...

I always think those hard runs are the ones where you really learn something or make a big leap in progress... Good job on getting it done. And what an awesome week!

Johann said...

You should be proud, well done! You are doing things you've never done before and that is awesome. Don't worry about the time for each workout. Some will be slower, some will be faster. You're doing everything right.

Jamoosh said...

Excellent - you are just rockin' your training plan!

Julie said...

Good for you Anne!! My first ten miles was in a race:) I remember thinking...oh my gosh, is this taking forever:) Nice work! Before you know it you will be busting out half marathons!

SeeGirlRun said...

Way to go. The mental battle must be a tough as the physical one sometimes. I wouldn't know because I've never run 24 FLIPPIN MILES IN A SINGLE WEEK!!! Woo hoo for you!!! You're pretty hard-core yourself! :-)

Laura

momof3 said...

Those are some awesome miles! 24 is something to celebrate! Just remember, some days the shoes will feel like lead on your feet, and some days you won't have feet because you'll be flying over the ground on air! Put that feeling of "hard" behind you, and move forward. You can do this, and you can do it well. Look how far you've come!

misszippy said...

Great job on pushing through! You are tough. And did I hear a little seed being planted about a marathon? That's how it all begins!

Giorgio said...

That's great improving Anne! You've reached the long run which you want :) Of course you will be able to complete your half marathon in May. I look forward to read your next training sessions.

Miglena said...

one thing that you know how to do very well is overcome difficulties and solve problems. I have no doubt that you will be able to do those long runs even when you don't feel like it ... just because you've put your mind to it :)

Heather said...

Nice job nailing all those workouts! I tend to cut out the "easy" runs instead of sacrificing my cross training.

AM-GoalsfortheWeek! said...

it always feel like a cool badge of honor when you hit all the workouts;-) nice job.

Tara said...

Way to go on your 10 miler! Mental toughness is such a key in some runs! I can't believe you changed your bra mid run. I had a good chuckle over that one.....

Marlene said...

Congrats on the weekly mileage milestone and another 10 miler! Remember that the tough ones make us stronger AND help us appreciate the good runs even more.

Christina said...

We have good runs and bad runs and this doesn't sound like a bad run, just a great run to push and test your endurance. These runs help you get strong just like a long run that feels great the whole way through. Good job on completing the run!

Sherri said...

Awesome Job Anne! Those runs are the real tests...and you passed! I on the other hand...failed...I was suppose to run 10 miles on Saturday...but I just couldn't...or didn't!
I thought I would just do it today...Nope!
Man I am slacking!

Bottom line...GREAT JOB!!!!

kilax said...

Congrats on the high mileage!

That is what I am trying to figure out now too - how much cross training I want to do. I think I get burned out when I do too much!

Robin said...

Wow! Great mileage, friend! And how many things could take place during a run? lol Sounds like you're finding a nice rhythm... good for you. Some runs are better than others, but you'll be really ready for next month's half. And a marathon, huh? You go, girl. :)

HUGS from Orlando!
r.

newrunner said...

Yeah! You are doing an awesome job, so cool that we are similar on our training schedules!