3/1/11
8 miles (3 mi speed and 5 mi GMP)
1:13
9:08 avg pace
I was supposed to do 2x(6x400m) at 1:44 pace (roughly 7:00 min/mile). So essentially 12-400m repeats. The first set was tough; I just didn’t have enough kick in my legs (splits: 1:47, 1:44, 1:46, 1:45, 1:51, 1:47). Instead of pushing through another set, which would have been disastrous, I decided to run the remaining miles at GMP. No big deal, at least I got some speed work in.
Now for the philosophical portion of my post…what is a runner? Yesterday I saw this tweet from Hal Higdon:
Some runners never race. They are happy to run each day without ever committing themselves to possession of a race T-shirt. Good for them.
Well said, Hal! I don’t think a runner should be defined by how many races he/she has done. Nor do I think “real” runners are only ones who run marathons and half marathons.
Real runners need to run…they crave that endorphin high. The enjoy the solidarity of running or the companionship of running with others. They love watching the sunrise/sunset while running or hopping on the treadmill in the early morning hours while the house is still quiet. They love a good sweat session that only running can provide. They like to push themselves to run distances and paces they never imagined.
It doesn’t matter if you run 12 miles a week or 70 miles a week, races or no races…you run because you want to and need to. You run because you love it (OK, I know a few of you are saying “I don’t love to run”. You may not love it but there’s something deep down that drives you to run, it may not be love but it’s something!).
Today’s March 1st which means 2 months until the NJ Marathon and Spring is right around the corner!
Hi Kristy! I’ve been following your blog for a few weeks now and I just had to leave a comment. I love what you said in this post about the need to run. You made me want to go out for another run today. You brought a smile to my face thinking about how it makes me wish I was running when I’m in the car on a sunny day & see someone running along the road or even when I step outside & think “this is perfect running weather”. I’m that weirdo happy to get up at 6:00 to go run on the treadmill! LOL! So thank you for helping me to remember that feeling! I’ve been getting a little drained lately from training. Oh! I’m doing the FIRST too! I think its awesome & its made me faster too!
Thank you! Reading your comment brought a smile to my face! What race are you training for?
So true! I run because my body MUST run. Not running is not an option. It’s hard to explain that to people who aren’t runners.
Hooray for March and the return of the sun. . .
ah men to that!
Running is just part of life for “runners”.
Great post! 🙂
I hope spring is hiding underneath the inches of snow here! I really like Hal’s tweet–its not all about the bling, right?
Great call with speed–You did great (fast!!) and then you continued to test those tired legs! You did pigeon pose ater right?! 😉
You bet I did!!