I charged down to Elk lake this morning for my long run... I wanted to put in the 2 30k's as recommended by a trainer in Calgary. Two 30k's or bust... I already got in my first 30k, and had but this last 30k remaining.
Well I did it- and I'm soo pleased. It feels like a real achievement.
In the first lap I was pushing myself to slow down... It feels most natural to keep my 5:30 km pace, but i just didn't want to be injured like I was after my run last weekend... feeling the sharp pain in my knee. It seems like its the speed that wears my body down.
So I jogged it, averaging 6min. kilometres.
Lucky me, Kim joined me at the end of the 1st lap, making the run so much more enjoyable. There is one hill at Elk Lake, and I decided to walk it the first lap, but running it with Kim the second lap was the best thing- as if it woke up other muscles and relieved any pain I felt in my right knee. She was so great too- taking it slow and patiently with me puttering along.
She assured me that I would be alright with just 2 laps (20k) instead of a full 3. I was torn between listening to my body and fulfilling my psychological needs and preparation in order to feel confident. (Kim has completed a 1/2 iron and marathon already, and she had a lot of wisdom to share). At the end of the 2nd lap, I decided to continue on with her for her last 3 k . At that point, it seemed more challenging to turn around and return to the car then finish the last loop. I was also crazy determined to finish the 30k. That is the distance I visualized last night, and that's what I came to do. It was an awecome last 10k, and I completed it in 56min... including two 1-minute walking breaks. I leaned more on my mental strength than body capacity. Now I'm icing my knee... Its a bit sore- but I think I can manage this. I'll call Chris the physio tomorrow morning.
With my legs feeling the way they do, however, I've decided that I won't be able to race the marathon - just participate... I may even wind up adding on 40minutes to my initial goal time (3:45). GOAL Ultimately I want to look after my body and realize that I can finish a marathon.
nevertheless -Wow! What a great feeling to finish that 30k! I stretched out my legs, soaked them in the cool lake, and then hung them upside down at my car as I devoured an energy bar and litre of water for some recovery. I finished it off with some huevos rancheros from Re-Bar (I had a strange craving for tofu!)
Finally, when I was driving away this firey excitement and sense of satisfaction hit me! Yes! I can't do anything more but get psyched, register, taper.
I'm SIGNED UP!!! YES! I'm in! (YIKES!)
I'm pretty excited. I was going to sign up for IronMan too- but am now only waiting for a strategic date after the cut off on my credit cards billing date. This way I can pay in November..
So that means I'm signed up for both! It feels good- I can do this.
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