I came to the realization the other day, while I was running, that the best running days are behind me. It's only going to get colder from here and with the cold comes tight muscles, runny noses, and lungs that refuse to operate on cold air. These upcoming runs are going to be mostly "training runs." I probably won't actually enjoy my runs again until Spring. Then I might look for some more competitive races. I don't see the fun in busting it through the uncomfortable, frigid cold for a disappointing time. I'm still in the mood to do another race, but I think I'm gonna be looking for something more about the fun and less about the competition.
That doesn't mean I won't being trying to run my best every morning. In fact I've had a few pretty good ones lately! My last 2 miler was sub 19 and my 3 miler this morning was sub 30. My most recent pr was about 27:30, which I am super stoked about! Imagine what that would have been like on a race day! I don't know how long it will take me but, I'm hoping this progress will help me meet one of my goals: to be one of the top thousand to finish the AJC Peachtree Road Race. I think I'll have to run a 7 minute mile, at least, but if that's what it takes... that's what I'll do!
So... I've been meaning to start this for almost a month. My performance on the Peachtree Road Race this year was lack-luster. I mean... I guess it was alright, but it was slower than last year and I was devastated for the rest of the afternoon. Therefore, I am changing the focus of this blog to a diary of my progression, throughout the coming year, leading up to my next chance at a Peachtree Road Race PR.
To recap this month, quickly, it's been less than stellar. I've been running pretty steady 10 minute miles, which would be fine and dandy had I not been running sub-9 about two years ago. Sure the heat could play a factor, but it was hot two years ago too. I've had a couple of good days where I broke 28 minutes for a 5k (that'd be what? a 9 minute mile - I'll take it). But that hasn't been consistent.
Today wasn't one of those days. It was roughly 80* when I started. I ran 30:24.
I don't really know much about running, as far as diet, training patterns, how the body works, I just run and hope I have a good time. That might have something to do with why I don't have great results but, unless someone is going to pay me to run, I can't afford all of that. It also might be how stubborn I am, but I have an addiction to sugary food and olive oil and bread and pasta and cheesecake (omg cheesecake!!). I just can't give up any of that without losing my mind. And in my opinion, running just wouldn't be fun anymore if I couldn't cool off after a long run with a homemade ice cream sandwich (I swear I've eaten two a day...I'd include a pic, but they're not the sexiest things I've ever made. This was the recipe though : http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chocolate-covered-mint-ice-cream-sandwiches.html).
This is my mission:
Run alternating 2 or 3 miles a day
Run 6 miles every other week
Continue to cook yummy meals that are delicious and nutritious ;)
Beat my Peachtree time from two years ago (hopefully by a long shot!!)
