5/29: Easy Run
This run came after a long work day as well as a tough work stretch over the last week. My body had been jolted out of anything routine. I had 24hr to cram in two nights of sleep. I packed my items for running in case I felt good enough after work. There was a chance for a good sunset and my brain needed a good reset. I’ve been feeling pretty spent this week and need to prioritize myself more as well as unplug more.

The park was beautiful tonight. On my way from the restroom, there was a sandhill crane searching for some food. I had some leftover granola so I tossed a handful at it and it was the happiest creature. What a fun way to start off my evening! I saw beavers, turtles, geese, and deer. And my fav sunset spot was good!

The run itself felt flat. I knew I was tired, but it just felt off compared to normal. I was physically okay, since my last run was 72hr ago and my strength sesh was 27hr ago. However, I think the mental burden of 80hrs work in 10 days compounded. I was mentally drained. I felt hot the whole time, despite enough hydration during the day. To get through it, I told myself that it was 100x better than the indoor dreadmill and 1000x better than being sidelined. Today’s mantra was “Remember who you are.” And I am someone who doesn’t quit. I checked the box for this workout and get the opportunity to move on through my comeback journey.

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5/31: Easy Run
I had the day off from work which allowed me to sleep in, fuel up, lay low, and just design the day how I wanted it to be. It felt refreshing. I slept > 9hrs and took an afternoon nap too! Drop weeks are for refilling the body’s capacity to take on more load and sleep is one of the most essential pieces to the puzzle.

After eating and ensuring plenty of hydration, I did my favorite mobility drills, packed my run bag, loaded up my recovery bag, and I was off to the park. I decided I would loop around the lake for my miles today and then stroll back to my car leisurely. I sprayed my sunscreen all over, since it was another toasty 76F eve at 7pm but with only 40% RH.

My first few miles went good – maybe a tad fast so I tried to drop it back a little. I’ve been running on this edge of slow running but it is just on the cusp of what would be a fast walk for me and it’s rather hard to run even slower. There’s a point where slow running becomes a slug fest and a point where it still feels natural. I enjoy the natural feeling so much more!

My goals today were to last longer, not walk, and hit all my fuel. I did good with all of them. I did drop one gel through my hand and had to back step to scoop it up. I knew how important those carbs were so I wasn’t going to leave them behind! The run seemed to have gone better than Wednesday’s run, as I felt like I conserved more energy and had more to give. My HR graph showed otherwise, but I definitely didn’t feel that I pushed this run in any regard.

Despite all the easy running lately which can be super monotonously boring, I know that aerobic adaptations are happening and mighty mitochondria are being assembled. As I look back on my month of May, it has been my most consistent month in 12 months. I started off the month by finishing up a Return-to-Run program, a strength eval, and the most mileage I’ve ran in a year. The foundations for a strong marathon season are coming together and I’m ready to build on top of that safely and keep the journey going by stacking up small wins.

June brings me nervousness yet opens new opportunities. I had disastrous months of June historically for the last 3 years. However, this June, I am determined to break that cycle. I am going to give it the best chance I can by continuing to focus on all the little things that will compound into big gains while continuing to find joy in the journey. After all, if it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing.

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6/2: Easy Run
Another easy run into the bank of aerobic fitness! I knew I needed to scale it back and the humidity made it possible. It was a steamy 76% RH with 72F but luckily the clouds stayed on my side and didn’t let the sun peek until the very end.

Today’s run was more on the good side of the pendulum of progress and my best one of the week, yet my slowest one of the week. There was never a point today where I felt like the humidity was going to make me stop. I respected the weather and adapted my effort accordingly. In addition to that, I made sure to fuel or hydrate every single mile of my long run. I had something to look forward to at the end of each mile: water or gel. I staggered them and was able to crank in 105g/hr of carbs for this 80min workout. I made sure to build mighty mitochondria by running easy and gain the aerobic benefits that will help my long endurance game more. Sure, I was sweaty, sticky, and salty, but I was confident, calm, and consistent. After a few hills, I purposefully told myself to “relax” and shook out my clenched fists. I could feel a blister on my left big toe, but I distracted myself from that by focusing on how good everything else felt. There was nothing I could do about the blister until I finished anyways, so no need for it to occupy my mental space either.

My little calendar reminder was perfect for this run: “Practice makes progress.” After all, I am just stacking up practice sessions to improve my overall fitness progress. It really kept me in a lighter mood and to not take myself so serious. At the deep underlining meaning of progress, my favorite author Brad Stulberg had a good way to frame this: “Excellence includes high and lows. Stretches where everything is clicking and periods of challenge and hardship. Vast joy and deep depression. Moments when you are motivated and when you are apathetic and exhausted. You don’t get to choose. It’s about showing up for all this the best you can.” Progress is never linear and the journey is never straightforward.

My dropweek was a success and allows my summer of finding fitness to continue. I don’t take this opportunity lightly. It has taken SO much to be at this point, but I’m not done yet. My skeleton appreciated the lighter load and my brain marveled in the extra sleep. Finally, it feels like all the pieces to my puzzle are sliding into their proper alignment and does that ever feel good. Week 4 is done and I’ll be ready to absorb more load progressively this next block.