This morning before work I decided to get another run in because this weekend will not allow for the freedom I need to do a long run so I planned a few short ones this week to keep me fresh (though I am doing a 5K race tomorrow with a very excited 12 year old - its her first!). I figured that my morning run would not be as strong as Tuesday's because I literally rolled out of bed, rolled into my running clothes and ran out the door - no food in the belly and barely a few sips of water.
The intention was 2 miles, which turned into 3 because I couldn't bare to keep running circles around my block. Instead I ran a similar route to Tuesday's run, which is a 3 mile distance. My first mile clocked in at just under 10 minutes. Shocking because I had some discomfort (minimal) in my left leg and slowed down (what I thought was considerably) to allow for that discomfort to pass.
At the two mile mark I turned around and started the run back home. By the time I hit the main street I had already hit 3 miles (way earlier than my normal 3 mile marker). I had beat Tuesday's PRs...My 5K came in at 27:41 (unheard of!!!). My fastest mile came in at...brace yourself...7:18. My "slowest" was 10:04. My "slow" use to be my fast up until a week ago. I seriously considered that maybe my Nike+ app is not working properly. But even just noting my start time and end time on a normal watch...it works out. I did a 3.1 mile run in 27:41...I am stunned that I beat Tuesday.
And I can't help but keep doubting myself and pulling it all apart. I run random questions through my mind:
"is the Nike+ app broke?"
"how am i doing this?"
"is it because i'm eating way more carbs???"
"is it because of my core strengthening challenge moves that i've perfected over the past month?"
"has a faster runner invaded my body?????"
"is this how it happens for other runners too? does all of a sudden your body just hit a new level???"
It is an endless stream of questions at any given moment crossing through my mind. And the truth is, I think trying to analyze it to this degree will kill it. I could already feel myself breaking under pressure when I first got out the door this morning - worrying I would be way slower than tuesday...and my body tensed (hence the discomfort). But then as soon as I moved off my block onto my normal route it all kicked in again and I stopped thinking and just ran.

And if I get to keep feeling and being this strong throughout the process, I know I will be okay. And if not, I'll still be okay...just slower :)
I love running...and lately, its really loving me back too.
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