Memorable 20!
Stepped out the door with 20 on my mind. A cold front pushed through over-night and the wind on which it rode was still in a serious mood. My normal route of going southwest and back was not a good idea. Coming back against that north-northeast wind would destroy me.
The only feasible alternative was to go directly into the wind north on Rt. 66 for 10 miles and then return .
It is amazing what determination can do. The constant head winds of 15-20 mph the first 10 miles made it seem more like 20.
Keeping a focus on 7 minute intervals, I managed to convince myself (after a couple of miles) that the turn around point was just several intervals away. I maintained a good steady rhythm leaning into the wintry blast. As I got closer to the 10 mile turn-around point I gained the confidence that it takes to run long.
The turn around was not as comfortable as I had hoped. With the wind pushing weary legs, it was difficult to re-establish the ability to run with-in myself. Slowing down is the natural inclination after a hard 10 miles but the wind at my back made for an unnatural feel.
Eventually the rhythm returned and it along with the wind helped block out the fatigue that was knocking hard at the door. The last 3 or 4 miles became easier than the previous 17 . I could feel that I was closing in on the end of the run.
Time: 1:12 out, 1:07 return
I am pleased with this 20 miler. I have had memorable runs in the past that I refer back to when things got tough. Running long is as much mental as it is physical. This run will stick in my mind for awhile.
The only feasible alternative was to go directly into the wind north on Rt. 66 for 10 miles and then return .
It is amazing what determination can do. The constant head winds of 15-20 mph the first 10 miles made it seem more like 20.
Keeping a focus on 7 minute intervals, I managed to convince myself (after a couple of miles) that the turn around point was just several intervals away. I maintained a good steady rhythm leaning into the wintry blast. As I got closer to the 10 mile turn-around point I gained the confidence that it takes to run long.
The turn around was not as comfortable as I had hoped. With the wind pushing weary legs, it was difficult to re-establish the ability to run with-in myself. Slowing down is the natural inclination after a hard 10 miles but the wind at my back made for an unnatural feel.
Eventually the rhythm returned and it along with the wind helped block out the fatigue that was knocking hard at the door. The last 3 or 4 miles became easier than the previous 17 . I could feel that I was closing in on the end of the run.
Time: 1:12 out, 1:07 return
I am pleased with this 20 miler. I have had memorable runs in the past that I refer back to when things got tough. Running long is as much mental as it is physical. This run will stick in my mind for awhile.
posted by Hawk at
9:11 AM
1 Comments:
Had you on my mind this morning, with positive tidings. Awesome job! As Emerson told me after my first 10 miler, that's one big plate of meat you put down out there today. And while I'm certain you've had many 20's, it amazes me how each trip out, especially the long ones, can become such a positive force multiplier for the season, with long-term lasting motivational impressions for yourself as well as others! I needed some good signs about running and I'm taking this as one on the road map to recovery.
By
Greenrok, At
January 30, 2011 at 4:58 PM
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