I woke up pretty unmotivated this morning. I didn’t want to get out of bed but I did. As I got bundled up for my run I turned on the Weather Channel. They said it was -6 degrees outside, which was about 10 degrees colder than I thought it would be. I took Bailey for a quick walk and thought it felt warmer than -6. But it’s the Weather Channel, how can they be wrong? So I decided to play it safe and change into a warmer jacket and pants. I was a little chilled at first, but I warmed up within the first mile. When I got to the office I checked the local weather and it said 2 degrees, so maybe the Weather Channel was wrong.
Oprah turned 50 years old recently and she proclaimed that “50 is the new 30.” Whatever. Maybe she’s just trying to make herself feel good. Maybe she’s in denial. But her statement got me thinking about my running – actually my running got me thinking about her statement. Since college, 6 miles has sort of been my standard “putting in the miles, run.” I rarely lace my shoes up for less than 6 miles. So far this winter I feel like I’ve reached a new level and now I rarely run less than 10 miles. Even though I was unmotivated this morning I still made it 84 minutes or 10 miles without even thinking about it.
This “new level” has me thinking about something I heard or read recently, “The training you do this year is for next year.” Maybe my body remembers all those “big” weeks I ran last year and doesn’t think they’re a big deal this year. I know it’s early in this base-building cycle, but I can honestly say I can’t remember feeling this good with this much mileage. Maybe doing the mileage in singles actually helps my body and mind. It doesn’t feel like I’m running all the time. At this time last year I was following the same “build for 3 weeks, cutback a week” schedule. After about 2-3 days into the 3 week, I couldn’t wait to cutback my miles. This year I feel like I could build up my mileage for another week. However, my conservative side is coming out and I’m going to enjoy feeling good, take my cutback week and hope I feel even better the following week. Or should I say, following 3 weeks?
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5 comments:
As long as 3 doesn't become the new 5 you're doing alright. :-)
I've always felt consistency is huge. When your just running, try and get out about everyday. First, the mind and body get used to it and secondly, it's easier to increase mileage. Also, half the time you go out you end up added a bit, so you have that going for you.
Zeke, I ran 1:26:45 and called it 9.5 this morning, so perhaps your road conditions were better. We plowed through a bunch of snow.
haven't found that new level yet...hopefully soon, maybe spring time
I'm still searching for the groove feeling when I run.
Massoman, when it gets around zero I put a light layer of vasoline on my face - plus I grow a beard in the winter.
Interesting story on the Indian tribes. Not sure if I want to live past 100 though.
I'm not sure blogging has the same health benefits of running between villages to communicate, but it does establish that sense of community.
I thought about buying some Vasoline today. It was at least 10 degrees warmer here than it was there, but the air still really made my face hurt. I might just try wearing a bandana like a mask too. It's amazing that there are so many good runners in Minnesota considering the conditions.
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