Feeling the Fire in My Belly

Yeah!

So last week I mentioned how uncomfortable my training is. It still is, but it is definitely getting more comfortable. The time versus distance thing is not really a big deal and my paces are feeling WAY easier (for the most part).

I have thought back to seasons past and my fastest/strongest races were definitely when I was running faster in every day paces. But general knowledge, at least as I knew it, was that there was a serious law of diminishing returns. If you run your easy runs too fast, you don't get much benefit, but you seriously up the ante for potential injury. I lived by that rule. Not anymore. I am feeling optimistic about it though. Hopeful. And thankfully, have no signs of injury at all. (The achilles thing totally dissipated)....

To answer Jen, yes, I have talked to my coach and I greatly trust in my plan. My post lamenting my comfortable training was simply that - taking note of all that is no now longer comfortable! I will keep the base building (aka pick up the easy pace training Mindi) for 2 more weeks. Then I start my workouts. And he'll boost me up into mileage per normal - just with more precision than I was doing before. Cool.

So without further adieu, here was my week (all miles were supposed to be b/w 8:45 and 9:00 pace):

M: 0. Was scheduled for 40:00 minutes, but I had to go in super early to make up for not working over the weekend.

T: 40:00 - 4.55 (8:54 pace) - making up for Monday as this was meant to be a rest day.

W: 1:10:00 - 8 (8:52) pace

R: 40:00 - 4.72 (8:26) - woo hoo! It was 40 degrees and awesome!

F: Big 0. Scheduled for 70 minutes, but Thursday was Johnny's birthday. We had a Christmas party and then went out with good friends until way too late. There was no way I was getting up at 4:30 am and Jake had a basketball game at 6, so no time for a run. Decided to spread it out over the weekend workouts.

Sa: 1:30:00 - 10.25 (8:48) - Strong, solid run. It was awesome weather, although the footing was a bit iffy in spots thanks to the new layer of snow.

Su: 2:00:00 - 13.5 (8:55) - Okay, this run was harder. My heart rate was super elevated, but I hung in there and got the miles in. Suddenly feeling thankful that I am increasing this pace thing with lower miles. :) I am sure it didn't help we went out again last night to celebrate our anniversary. Dinner out + wine never helps a long run (but it does make for fun celebration).

Total: 6 hours and change --> 41 miles.

I am excited. I am also feeling very thankful for my husband and kids as we glide into another holiday season. I really couldn't ask for more and I am trying to consciously take stock of that. Life can change at a moment's notice. This moment is perfect. And I am incredibly, incredibly thankful for that.

Peace to you all.

BTW: The title of my blog was meant to convey my enthusiasm for my training right now! I tried to Google some images for "fire in my belly" - um, yikes. That is not what I meant. Just sayin. Carry on...