When I saw a progression into the mid 6s today on my schedule, I was excited but also a bit concerned (OK, I was nervous!). Would I remember to run fast? How in the world I am going to be able to hold 6s if my HR was getting close to my lactate threshold holding high 7s and low 8s during my 21 miler on Saturday? But then I shut my mind up, picked up my i-pod and ran a kick a$$ progression with a HR lower than most of my miles on Saturday, and a perceived effort much lower than anticipated. We had some cooler temps, mid 70s today which helped a ton. My legs felt fresh in spite of the higher (for me) mileage. I felt light on my feet and stayed present in every mile, working hard to slow myself down for the first half of the progression. I loved this run. I loved running the last 2 miles fastish. I loved that I finished the run with a lot left in the tank, and with a renewed confidence that my legs have not forgotten how to run fast (nothing like a behavioral experiment to show one that!)
Now it will be much easier to return to building up my miles and running slower. I know this is not my time for intense speed; my marathon cycle is very different now than it was last year or the year before, and I truly believe that this periodization is going to work well for me. I already feel my legs are getting stronger and have adapted to the miles. I still have my speed in spite of no speed work since early May.
Things are progressing well. I love running!
12 comments:
some days it is hard to be patient with the training load but sounds like things paid off for you!
woot.
happy running
This is just A GREAT post to read, AM. I know how much you LOVE to run fast. I can totally identify with it. The slow mileage build up will pay off in big ways. 81 miles at this point is Fantastic! I can see how well the speed work closer to your race will work in your favor, peaking you at the right time. So excited to see what the fruit of this cycle will be for you, AM!
Yes...In LOVE with running again. The patience pays off!
Big smiles when I read this today! HAPPY! I am right with Raina! I KNOW how much you love to run fast and I know how important this can be for your confidence!!! So crazy how a single run can influence SO much! I've been there and just know this feeling.....
You are doing SUCH a super job. Your mileage is incredible at this point. 80 mile weeks already!!! I know you love speed and you almost ALWAYS knock your workouts out of the park here but I'm equally impressed with your very quality 21 miler in those ridiculous temps then followed by this run. You are recovering VERY well to do this. Strong. YES, I think this periodization is going to be PERFECT for you. You deserve this amazing marathon so much AM!! You really really are the most driven person I know:) XOXO
I agree, sometimes you just need a faster run to re-gain confidence and then you can go back to slower running without having any doubts.
I cannot wait to see what you do in the marathon this fall!
Yay! Loved getting on blogs really quick before bed and seeing this. Especially since I've been too bad of a friend to ask how running is going for you. MIA Amanda! But this was great to read. And, although on a much lower speed level, I was thrilled to have my last 3 miles a bit faster this weekend. I NEEDED that for my confidence and just to know what it felt like to hit faster than snail pace. Ha! But the speed thing...I'm itching to get this marathon over with and have some time to build strength and then do some shorter distances again...to feel fast again. I don't know what my body would do right now if I tried to hit a 6:30 pace even. I think it would FREAK OUT.
I agree with Jenn about your drive. REally excited to see where your marathon ends up. Thanks for posting about your running.
I want to be just like you when I grow up! I hear you about the need for speed, it's only been 18 months since I started up again and my 1st summer of speed work since I was 17 so my fast is still pretty slow! But I WILL get there. You're marathon training sounds interesting, I think we have similar ideas. Would love to see a post where you elaborate in more detail on what your plan is, do you intend to inject a lot of speed work close to the marathon?
i just wanted to stop in and say hello. in time, you will be where you need to be. i have been having fun this year, trying for an international tri and then i am doing pumpkinman half and in the mean time i am helping my friend get to the Mont Tremblant Ironman starting line. 18 mile run planned for Sunday!
Excellent! I agree-nothing like dropping the hammer every now and then just make sure the gears are still there. Keep up the good work:)
Wow! Your running is amazing. It makes me long for the days when I was a runner rather than a triathlete. I love running so much. I can tell you do too.
It's great how well you're doing! 80 miles a week and marathon training has barely begun! Maybe at some point we'll be able to plan a run together. If you plan on running on the BayState course let me know. Even if you're doing a workout and I can't keep up, we can probably work something out. Keep up the good running mojo!
that is awesome AM! I have been shocked and surprised too that my body remembers how to run 6's for a few miles at time after 2 plus months off. the body is amazing...and can really surprise us at times!! excited for you! xx
I love this - this is so interesting. Isn't it wonderful when you realise what you have inside of you - this speed! Love that this way of training is working for you.
And yes - Mary is my coach. She's much cheaper and much better than a therapist - and she coaches me too. X
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