18 and Some Speed!!

I'm so glad I'm not alone in the phantom pain department! It's weird but since I posted about that and started getting comments back, the weird sensations have subsided. Proves that they were all in my head, I guess.

I got out for my first 18 miler since June on Saturday. Friday night I actually confessed to Andy that I was a little nervous. I have been fairly aggressive with upping my long run mileage and I was worried my body wouldn't like it. Turns out, I had nothing to worry about! Woke up Saturday to beautiful weather and couldn't wait to get out there. But before heading out I had my normal struggle as to whether or not I should eat something. I still really struggle with eating before a long run. I know I'm about to burn a ton of calories and need the fuel to sustain the effort, but I can't quiet the voices in my head that tell me I shouldn't eat because calories are "bad." When I add this pre run food to the calories (180) I'll consume while running, it freaks me out...more than little bit. But I need to learn to practice what I'll soon preach to my clients. So I toasted up a slice of Ezekiel and had a banana. Throughout the run I ate one Clif margarita blok every 2 miles (starting at mile 5) and 360 calories later, I finished the 18 miles feeling like a million bucks! I could have easily kept going but since I was already pushing the distance, I decided to call it a day. The next time I get worked up about eating, I need to remember how I felt during and after this run...fueling properly is a must!

I really wanted to go for a swim on Sunday since it's been a few weeks since I got in the pool but it was so nice out I couldn't justify being indoors. Instead Andy and I headed to Peace Valley Park and walked the path around the lake. By the end of the 6 mile loop, my legs were feeling the effect of the previous days 18 miles. Yesterday I was just not feeling up for much but I forced myself out the door for an easy 4 miles. I headed a new way and just ran by feel where ever my feet wanted to take me. I ended up with 5 miles at an 8:50 pace and was so happy I didn't listen to my lazy self and got off the couch.

When I woke up today my legs were a little sore but I had 7 miles and speed work so I was anxious to get to the gym. I wanted to use the treadmill for this workout to make sure I hit my pace since I was a little tired and knew I'd lag if I went outside. I did 3 ladders at a 7:40 pace. Slower than what I was doing 6 months ago but on target for my half marathon goal pace. By the third ladder my legs were getting a little tired but everything else felt great. This was my first speed workout since the winter and it felt so good! It got me thinking that maybe I should attempt to race Philly Rock n Roll half in 2 weeks...

Here's my schedule for the week:
Mon - 5 mi
Tues - 7 mi
Wed - cross train and lift
Thurs - 7 mi
Fri - off (traveling)
Sat - 4 mi
Sun - 15 mi