It’s weird when your weekends don’t revolve around a Sunday long ride. And it’s even weirder (and harder?!) when your husband’s out riding centuries every Sunday as he preps for IRONMAN Louisville (his first full since 2015!). The quiet after he leaves the house: it’s almost too quiet. The time that’s back in my weekends: I almost don’t know what to do with it all. When Sunday long rides have been your regular routine since 2013 and you’re suddenly not doing them, not gonna lie: there’s a fair amount of fomo.
But that said, adjusting to a new normal takes time. Just as I remind myself that I get to swimbikerun during IM training, I’m reminding myself during marathon training that I get to run all the miles (and pet all the vizslas – because I always stop for the vizslas). It’s just different – and that’s ok.
Anyway, after a consistent base-building month averaging about 30 miles a week, legit running workouts returned a few weeks ago. Yay for speed and tempo work and 40-mile run weeks! Coach has been fairly conservative with my build since my hamstring injury – and I’m extra in-tune with my body – which is totally ok since those injuries are nothing to mess around with. And while I’m not running as fast as I was during my IMMT build last summer, I’m grateful to be out there running my favorite creek and river road routes.
So a few highlights from these recent speed and tempo workouts!
– Eat more snacks. Or at least make sure to eat enough the day before (meaning don’t skip lunch) because when you don’t, the last couple miles are rough. Nothing like a real bonk, right?! You need those occasionally to remind you how important proper fueling is. How I’m fueling: a combo of Skratch lemon-lime hydration and chews, and Maurten gels and drink mix 320.
– New shoes (the HOKA Clifton 6!) make for happier springier legs. Definitely need another pair in the rotation. Of all the Cliftons I’ve worn – and it’s been a lot since the Clifton 1! – the 6s are hands-down the best version. Cushy without being squishy, supportive, zero hot spots, finally in hot pink.
– It feels so damn good to get into that edge-of-your-fitness space, sit in it, and embrace it.
One month to Twin Cities Marathon!
2 Comments
Woohoo! See you out there! PS – I’m still firmly on the Nike ZoomFly train, but man…I might have to get those hot pink Hokas..
Such a bummer that you’ve had to deal with injury this year, but I really admire your positive attitude! Glad that you are enjoying the change in focus. Good luck with the final build!