Good morning!
This summer is flying by already and the running is going just swimmingly (that was for the benefit of all of you triathlon stars). I love the freedom of just running and training and not having to worry about that upcoming race. I had been putting so much pressure on myself that every run had to have a specific race benefit. Now I am doing 1 or 2 runs a week that have a purpose and 5 that are just fun or recovery. And it seems to be working. I am also recovered enough that I have ramped my mileage back up into the high 60s and low 70s for 3 weeks and then a down week in the low to mid 50s. I expect to do this for 2 more cycles and then Toronto will be right around the corner.
I have to admit that I can't get that 30 mile run from 2 weeks ago out of my head. It was truly an enjoyable experience and the feeling of accomplishment was something I haven't felt in any of my training runs in quite a while. I am also intrigued by the idea of doing longer runs and seeing if there is a benefit either physically or mentally that will apply to a marathon race. I have a tendency to try and go too fast on 18 to 22 mile runs and there is just no pushing on a 30 miler. I am planning to go 32 to 36 miles on a run probably in 3 or 4 weeks. Anybody have thoughts on the training benefits or heard anything regarding this? And please don't just tell me I am crazy (my family says this all the time and they may be right).
The picture is my medal display from above my computer desk. I got the idea from one of you all and I can't thank you enough. Every time I am up here on my computer, I look at those medals and kind of re-live each race's unique experience and the lessons I learned that day. I know a lot of people actually give away their medals. I could never give one of them away as each one is so special to me and represents a victory (at least on some level) over the marathon. The picture is from this year's Boston marathon where I got to spend about 15 minutes talking to Frank Shorter. Of course, I had a bad experience with that race this year, but I will never forget Frank Shorter listening to my story and telling me "You look like you are in great shape and your best days as a runner are ahead of you.". Little things like that are what make it all worthwhile.
Best of luck with your running and be proud that YOU are a runner!
15 comments:
So are you trying to tell us that a few ultras are in your future?
Love that medal display. Mine are hanging on my bookcase and don't look nearly as nice.
Bill, taking time for a mental break from hard training is always a benefit. Eventually you get back to the hard work because you miss it, and are no longer burned out from it. And I have found a
50k to be easier than a marathon. I have my medals from the last 10 years on the dresser mirror, so I see them every day too.
That medal display is awesome. I may be "borrowing" that idea :) good luck with your 30+ mile run! I have no suggestions but it seems the ultra bug may have bit you!
I can't personally contribute anything meaningful to your inquiry about increased mileage on an endurance run. A few friends and my father [years ago - I'm 43... he's older] are and have been ultra-endurance runners and obviously successfully accomplished longer endurance runs... with benefits.
Glad you're enjoying this "free-running" time. Keep us posted!
You have a nice display of medals. This year I created one shadow box for our Boston Marathon medals and then another one for the unique marathon medals.
Its cool to see what we accomplish as its the daily affirmation to keep moving ahead.
From my experience, several Ultras, a 24-hour race, the higher mileage does not suit me well. Mentally I can do it but my body just doesn't hold up. I actually like what Jack Daniels, famed running coach, says about putting in two runs a day vice one long run every day once the mileage gets above 50 miles a week to keep the stress down.
i love that display!!! i might need to borrow that idea too :)
great job on your running and so glad you are able to run without pressure right now... its a great feeling!
G'morning Bill! I'm jealous of your chat with Frank Shorter (and signed photo) - he, along with Bill Rodgers, were two of the marathon stars when I was starting out.
As a marathon training method, I think it would have some physiological benefit (if you're up for it). I know Rob de Castella always did an over-distance run of 30 miles 5 weeks prior to his marathons. Psychologically it's got to have some benefit too.
Any type of training that forces the body to burn fat early and long is going to be good. Back-to-back long runs are worth looking at also - such as 18 one day followed by 22 the next.
Anyway, keep learning and having fun!
sounds like the marathon may be too short of a run for you.
Hey cool idea with the medals, I too one day hope to have as many! I was hoping to pick your brain regarding training? Keep it up!
I love the way you hang your blings on the wall. That is so cool. I hang my blings inside the garage on the wall. That is the only place my wife will allow me to hang up.
Hmmm... doing an ultra sounds like a good idea.
Me thinks a 50K is in your future. But beware...you may never go back to roads after it!
Perhaps North Face Endurance Challenge in Southern WI this fall? Lodging provided by your truly!
"Start again, I heard them say... "
Inspired by your last post, I decided to try that. Just enjoy it. Never mind the speed. I am finding the joy again.
Hugs. Thanks
This is the best idea ever!! (medal display) Someday when I've actually run enough of them..I might have to try it. It would look silly with only 4 right now though!
That's a pretty cool idea!! Never would have thought of it.
This is how I display mine.
http://bradatuud.blogspot.com/2009/06/medal-hanger.html
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