Short runs are becoming longer!

My mid week runs are beginning to get longer. Thus far they have been 3 miles on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Today was my first 4 mile run in a few weeks the runs will increase to 5 miles to help get me ready for the marathon. 

I took the day off from work to prepare for my vacation this weekend and enjoyed sleeping in this morning! My run started around 8am. I started off slow and sluggish for the first quarter mile or so, but then felt like I got in the groove. My first checkpoint at 5 minutes said I was at a 9:13. At first I was a bit disappointed. I thought maybe I'd be under 9 minutes. I decided based on how I was feeling not to push it and just run the way my body wanted to. This can be frustrating for me, but it's more about working the plan and not going for personal records on every run.

I finished my 4 miles with an average pace of 9:18. Not bad at all. I did have one slower split at 9:28 for the 3 mile mark. The other splits were closer together at 9:09, 9:12 and 9:16. Every run has a lesson if you can tune into your body and the circumstances. Some require more, others less. There may be hints about fuel,  hydration, sleep or gear. 

I encountered two runners on the road at the time I was running. One was just ahead of me at the point where I started my run and by the time I got to my 2 mile mark I almost past him. Then right as I was making the turnaround I saw a woman behind me who after some time passed me. These were good reminders that we are each running our own race. Doing the best we can with what we have that day. My runs on this plan have been mainly solo and I noticed running with others has a different feel and can make you reach further regardless of pace (yours or theirs). It made me think about race day and how many people will be on the road and all the energy that will be surrounding me. All the people moving along with me (and all the ones I'll have my eye on to stay with). I'm sure there will be words of encouragement shared. Maybe even low moments of people struggling (possibly myself). 

Even though it's not my favorite form of exercise I can't deny that there is something magical about running. Being a part of the running community is a pretty cool thing. While I'm training it feels good to know we are all in this together. Day by day, run by running,  thriving or struggling, making those personal records and just giving it all we've got!

37 more runs to go!