1/2 Marathon Training: Week 1, Run 4
Magnificent. That is the only word to describe the weather on this sunny, 65-degree day. Thanks, November first. You are awesome.
I am typically a better morning runner than later in the day, but I waited until mid-afternoon to go today, partly because I had a busy day happening. I set off for my first four-mile run since last fall with a little bit of trepidation, but I need not have feared the distance! It turned out to be this week's most enjoyable run so far.
I followed a route I haven't been on since last fall's training (unless I was on a bike). I had to adjust my vision a bit to take in the familiar landmarks and scenes at such a slower pace than what I saw when whizzing by them over and over on my bike. It was nice to be back on this route on foot, because it's one I've run a billion times in the past, just not lately ... there were lots of people out, and that always puts pep in my step. The sun was blasting but it was comfortably cool and I don't even know what happened, but I felt pretty strong and dare I say happy.
The guy leading my training group said the best possible terrain to run on is trail, which I take to mean grass? Dirt? I'm not sure, but luckily there are a good number of grassy or dirt patches along this route, so when possible, I stepped off the sidewalk or street to run on that slightly springier surface, and I definitely think it helped to prevent some shin/calf pain. It also felt sort of adventurous to have to do tiny little leaps over tree branches and feel acorns crunching underfoot and whatnot.
My average pace per mile was 11:28, and I am perfectly fine with that for now. After all, this week I ran 12 miles. Last week, I ran 3. The week before that, and many weeks before that, I ran zero. So how can I not feel good about that?
It felt great to finish the run and stretch in the sunshine with this view. Delightful overall.
Today's Best Running Song: The Speed Test from Thoroughly Modern Millie, which will probably only appeal to the showtune lovers in the house. The song speeds up as it goes along, and it is super fun to run to!
I am typically a better morning runner than later in the day, but I waited until mid-afternoon to go today, partly because I had a busy day happening. I set off for my first four-mile run since last fall with a little bit of trepidation, but I need not have feared the distance! It turned out to be this week's most enjoyable run so far.
I followed a route I haven't been on since last fall's training (unless I was on a bike). I had to adjust my vision a bit to take in the familiar landmarks and scenes at such a slower pace than what I saw when whizzing by them over and over on my bike. It was nice to be back on this route on foot, because it's one I've run a billion times in the past, just not lately ... there were lots of people out, and that always puts pep in my step. The sun was blasting but it was comfortably cool and I don't even know what happened, but I felt pretty strong and dare I say happy.
The guy leading my training group said the best possible terrain to run on is trail, which I take to mean grass? Dirt? I'm not sure, but luckily there are a good number of grassy or dirt patches along this route, so when possible, I stepped off the sidewalk or street to run on that slightly springier surface, and I definitely think it helped to prevent some shin/calf pain. It also felt sort of adventurous to have to do tiny little leaps over tree branches and feel acorns crunching underfoot and whatnot.
My average pace per mile was 11:28, and I am perfectly fine with that for now. After all, this week I ran 12 miles. Last week, I ran 3. The week before that, and many weeks before that, I ran zero. So how can I not feel good about that?
It felt great to finish the run and stretch in the sunshine with this view. Delightful overall.
Today's Best Running Song: The Speed Test from Thoroughly Modern Millie, which will probably only appeal to the showtune lovers in the house. The song speeds up as it goes along, and it is super fun to run to!
Labels: half-marathon training, running
posted by eliza @ 6:22 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home