Pace Yourself Woman!

Hello!  Long time no see!  I know, I'm sorry, I've been consumed lately.  I won't get into any boring details, but needed a little break.  But that doesn't mean I've been taking a break on my workouts or runs.  Dani and I did 16miles together two Saturdays ago, and for the most part it was a great run.  I would say the last 3 miles were the hardest, mainly because we didn't have it mapped out so we were just running in circles trying to get those last 3 miles in, and it seemed like it took forever!  It was Dani's first 16miler, and I think she did just fine!

Still looking fresh after 16 miles!  

The next weekend we were also scheduled for 16.  This time the group would be back together (we didn't have a scheduled run the weekend before due to Hood to Coast) and Dani has decided to make the leap over to my group!  And I am super excited to have her join me!!  But there was a problem.  On my 3 mile run I did the Friday before with a coworker, towards the end I felt my knee pinching again.  Extremely frustrated I decided I would wait it out to see how it felt in the morning.  But all night at work I felt like I could feel my knee, if that makes any sense at all...lol.  Panicked and not wanting to miss my run I messaged my running coach for some advice.  After asking me some questions he told me to slow down my runs to 12min/miles, shorten my stride and stop if it hurts.  12 minute miles is pretty slow for me.  I like to be under 10 minutes average on my shorter, solo runs.

I decided I should skip the 16 miles with the group for fear of having to stop during the run and walk back to my car.  I remember how miserable and defeated I was last time I had to do that and feeling like my knee would flair up, I didn't want to take a chance.   I told Dani to go ahead without me, even tho it would be her first time with the group, I knew she would be comfortable with them.  They are all very welcoming!

I was super sad, and mad I was missing ANOTHER long run!  On my drive home I decided I would try to run a bit and try the advice coach had given me to see how far I could make it.  Keeping it slow and steady I did a 7 miles loop around town, with Mav, with no pain.  So I dropped of Maverick and decided I would go out for another 9 miles so I could still get in 16 total.  I was so relieved I was able to get the miles in I needed to, but kicking myself for skipping the group!  But better safe than sorry.  At least being close to home, if I needed to walk, it wouldn't be as bad.

So 16 solo miles, well besides Mav being there for the first 7, and as much as I LOVE running with him, he isn't much in the conversation department.  I kept it slow, shortened my stride and came out on top!  So that is my plan for the next month.  If it will get me to the marathon injury free, then sign me up!  

This field of sunflowers really cheered my up at about mile 10 on my solo run.  I love sunflowers, they are probably one of my favorites!

Next weekend we are scheduled for 20 miles!  AHHHH!  It will be my second, and Dani's first.  I am excited about it because it will be part of the Portland Marathon route, including the St Johns bridge, but also nervous because I remember how hard my first 20 was!  But I will try to get into the right mindset to power through this run!  And I will have Dani with me so we can push each other along.

We also have Pints to Pasta on Sunday!  I am super excited for this run. So far it will be Dani, Jenni and me and maybe a few others that decide to join last minute.  It is a point to point run and from what I read, downhill. It would be a great run to PR on, but I need to remember my knee and not push myself, as much as I'd like to!  I doubt I will run it at a 12minute pace, but maybe a 10minute pace.  It all depends on how I feel from the day before too.  

Other than that, I am also in the Push month in ChaLEAN and am loving it!  It is heavier lifting and I've really been pushing myself.  I love the workout and would recommend it to any runner.  It's great for building core strength.  

How are your runs and workouts going?

Any upcoming runs planned?