As I move into full training mode, this blog will turn to more reflections and recaps. It may get pushed to the back-burner when training weeks are busy, so that I can rest appropriately. After so many setbacks and the longest road of patience, here I finally go on the journey to 26.2, for the seventh time. I am ready for this new opportunity.
5/6: Eval Day
One of my goals was to ensure my skeleton was ready to handle the demands of the training season. I took a short road trip to the other side of the state to visit my coach in-person for the first time since last summer when my hip was “bothering me” (it was on the trajectory of fracturing). I’m convinced that there’s absolutely no skeleton squawk that he doesn’t know how to find and rehab. The strength assessment and running analysis went great. It gave me the confidence I was looking for.
⁃ What went well: everything!
⁃ What could have gone better: nothing!
5/7: Medium run
Since I didn’t have to juggle the work day, I had ample time for a medium length run. I chose the hottest time of the day but with the least amount of humidity (68F, 49% RH). What was interesting about this run is that I had every possible weather condition except snow! Race day can be anything so it’s best to be over prepared for it all. As I was wrapping up my 6 miles, the sky opened up. I was still 2 miles from where I parked, so it made for a wet yet relaxing walk. It was actually tranquil.
My run today was harder than usual, simply because I am fatigued from the eval at the lateral hips and from subpar sleep due to the dog’s moonlight adventures. Nevertheless, I sensed this early and just held back more than normal so that I wouldn’t have to stop or cut it short. That’s one thing I love about training with RPE and HR: it’s based on the day and what effort it feels like. Some days are mediocre, and that’s perfectly okay. Consistency over the long haul pays dividends over pushing to failure or stopping/restarting. That’s exactly how I would describe today’s run: consistent and good enough.
⁃ What went well: no stopping; holding back a touch on the accelerator
⁃ What could have gone better: mobility drills before the run
5/8: Recovery run
With a long work day ahead of this, I knew I wouldn’t have much time for a run. I wanted to hit the soft-surface track for variability, but the high school lacrosse kids had the infield booked. Since it was a nice evening, I jetted over to the park for the run, trying to find to the flattest sections possible to complete this. It also meant I was able to snatch some shade from the setting sun, which was a good move.
When it comes to recovery, I really have learned the hard way about its importance. Not every run should be at race-pace. In fact, easy effort is actually very helpful for aerobic building which is the phase I am in. I think back to my early days of running and how reckless I was! I’ve learned so much over the last couple of years about how to change training for better longevity in the sport as well as what I can tolerate. Today’s run, I took it easy-peasy and used it as a recovery jog, since it was my 6th day in a row of training. 3 simple easy miles and the heart rate agreed with a ton of Zone 2. What a perfect end to the day, with a bonus sunset on my way home to unwind from the long day.
⁃ What went well: Finding my easy zone and just coasting
⁃ What could have gone better: Nothing!
5/10: Short run
With a tight schedule for the day, I knew I had to set an alarm to wake up timely to eat breakfast and hydrate before my short run. I managed to get a decent night of sleep after a few rough nights. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to dive into the day, but 45F with 70% relative humidity weather had other plans for me. After Mile 1 of my run, I knew I would have to peel back a little bit, feeling more difficult than normal. I dropped off my gloves and arms sleeves but then tried to find a little rhythm for the rest of the run. I did have to flip my metrics off my watch to the time-stamp screen because it was too stressful when my HR bounced around a bit today at slower than usual paces in the humidity, likely a reflection of time of day and cumulative fatigue of the week. Some days, I just have to check the box and get it done before the work day.
⁃ What went well: Adequate sleep
⁃ What could have gone better: better hydration, better route, less time constraints to the day
5/12: Long Run
After a heavy but effective strength sesh yesterday, today’s agenda called for a long run at RPE 3. I slept well, had a decent breakfast before strolling the dog, did a few pre-run drills to lubricate the joints, and then jetted off to the park.
I knew the park would be hopping today, since it was great weather (68 F, 5mph wind, low RH at 45%) and Mother’s Day. I have never seen the park as busy as it was. I even had to use a secret entrance because the toll booth was backed up 30min. No big deal, just a little detour.
After a short stroll to the restroom and a quick jaunt for my dynamic warmup, I set off to do a counter clockwise lake loop. Judging by the parking lot, I knew I was going to be dodging a “large event” of a rowing regatta. For the first downhill mile, there were people everywhere – on the path and off the path. I kept my composure and envisioned myself in the masses of people of my race. It was mentally draining to keep dodging carts and spectators. “Just relax and get in the zone,” I told myself.
To not push the limits of today’s run, I decided I would alternate between push-n-float miles until I was done. Mile 2 meant I scaled it back from an effort perspective and just glided over the hills. Mile 3 brought more people on bikes and tons of dogs on leashes, but a flatter section of the path. Miles 4 and 5 brought peace and zen, a quieter but rolling east section of the park. This was mentally welcome to reset a bit from the first half of the run. I could find my groove and just coast. Mile 6 is when I had to reframe my thinking from feeling fatigue to “Choose Strong, Build Robust, Chase Opportunity.” This was the nice little mantra I wrote on my hand today and it was perfect. I used my “Feel and Focus” drill I learned recently. I felt fatigued, but I wanted to feel strong so I focused on turning my feet over to survive the last few path hills. As Mile 7 came up, I cranked in one more gel packet and said to myself, “Go finish it.” I put myself visually into the last mile of the marathon, where nothing but perseverance will get you across the finish line full of sweat, hungry for carbs, and exhausted legs ready to relax.
The gentle cooldown after the run brought me back to reality: I did it – I just completed my first week of marathon season, with all skeletal pieces intact and on-point. I glanced down at my watch for the first time this entire run, and smiled knowing that good things are finally stacking up. I sent a quick text to my sports psych, for National Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day, because in this season of life, I am finally thriving. I signed, sealed, and delivered this long run with RPE 3. I also delivered a solid week 1 of marathon season. And maybe, I finally understand how to balance work, family, training, fueling, and recovery to arrive at a place of success and enjoyment.
⁃ What went well today: sticking to the prescribed intensity (easy); mindset mantra; fueling
⁃ What could have gone better: fatigue on the hills
Re-Energized Running 
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