I was suppose to run 8 miles this weekend, my longest run since I've been out of the boot. But after running 3 days in a row last week and feeling good, I wanted to go a little further. There was something about getting to double digits that I just had to do to boost my confidence and feel like my old self again. And I've been telling myself that if I got through a double digit run without pain, that I could go ahead and register for some races I've been holding off on. Even more incentive.
I headed to my favorite place to run on Sunday morning and just pulling up to the trail made me smile. There's something about running at this park which makes me so happy. The runs always fly by and I love the sights, smells and sounds. I always feel like I could run forever when I'm there, and yesterday was no different. I had no set pace in mind, just to get through the run feeling good. I decided not to look at my garmin and just take it nice and easy. It's more important for me right now to get my mileage up and once I'm there I can start to push the paces a bit. Anyway, I felt great from the get-go. The distance, which up to this moment seemed like it would be impossible after a month off, wasn't daunting at all. In fact, from the very second I started, it didn't seem like it would be enough for the day and I kept having to talk myself out of going further. I finished up with 10 miles and a huge smile.
This might be a little random, but I kept thinking of my first 11 mile run yesterday. I'm not sure why but this run really sticks out in my mind and I think about it often. I ran it on the treadmill at the gym while getting ready for my first half in 2007. After the run I thought I was the sh*t. I remember exactly how I felt all day and remember calling my Dad to tell him the very important news. I remember saying over and over to Andy, "can you believe I ran 11 miles today?" And I'm sure I called my sisters to tell them about it, too. It was such a huge deal to me. And it should have been. 11 miles is a big deal. It got me thinking that even though the long run mileage has slowly crept up to 22 miles over the years, and I've even run 51 miles, the shorter runs can be even more important and special.
I needed that run yesterday. It was 10 miles of peacefulness, happiness, strength and me feeling like my old self. It will definitely be another one I remember.
13 comments:
So glad you're on the road back to running! I love 10 mile runs - they are my fav! Can't wait to hear what your plans are! Hope the week goes better at work! ;)
I am so excited for you! I know that the injury has been hard, and it is great to see you back out there getting your kind of miles in. Yipppeeeeee : )
Very awesome, Denise! Glad to hear you're right back at it :D
Good news! You are right to take it easy on the pace. Get the distance up first.
Fantastic! I think 10 milers are probably my favorite distance right now. It's just the right distance to push a little harder, or just enjoy the view!
Sounds like JUST what you needed. CONGRATS on a successful 10-miler. It definitely is a big deal.
Pretty much expected you'd be ahead of the recovery curve.
10 pristine miles, you've earned them.
Now, add a few more!
I love your thoughts of your first 11 mile run. Sometimes it's worth taking a break out from the immediacy of every day to remember accomplishment and joy in the little things. This post did this for me :)
I love this post :)
Woo hoo! Double digits! That's awesome and it sounds like a fabulous run.
Congratulations on the double digits! Isn't it funny how there are certain runs that really stick in your mind and keep coming back? I do the same thing.
WOOOO!!! so happy for you :)
i still remember my first 10 mile run. i was the same way - I JUST RAN DOUBLE DIGITS!!! its so fun to remember back to the early days :)
I'm glad your run went well. Makes the next long run a little easier to do.
I remember the first time my Garmin hit 10mi. I was so amazed. I couldn't believe I had done it.
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