March was better than February, but I didn’t hit any of my goals. I wanted to run at least 105 miles for the month and PR in at least one of my two races. I didn’t do any of those. But you know what? I went out, and I ran. I may have skipped some days, but I gave myself the grace to do so. I know I’m struggling.
But, I keep going.
Moving forward is all we can do when we stumble. Yes, it’s easier to give up and keep taking those days off, but that just makes it harder to start again. It’s a vicious cycle.
For two of three long training runs, I failed both of them. I went out for a 14 miler and only was able to do 5. It was a run/walk combo and my slowest time ever. I didn’t give up at mile 1. I wanted to, but I told myself I had to do at least 3. I smoked those 3 and did 5 instead! My last one? I got out and at about half a mile in started crying. Yup. So I turned around and went home. I went out the next day and did some miles but definitely not a long run.
I did get 11 of 15 miles during one long run, so I call it a WIN!
I had two races this month, Kiss Me I’m Irish 8k and Wonder Woman 10k. I attempted a PR at both and came within 24 seconds at Kiss Me I’m Irish 8k. I was pushing it but not too much because I wasn’t sure how I felt. I think I could have left a little more out there and had the PR.
At Wonder Woman I spent far too much time and energy dodging large groups of walking women and children. At about mile 3 I was getting warm. This is about where we split off from the 5k. It felt nice to have some space, so I started trying to push a little. I grabbed what I thought was Nuun but turned out to be plain water. I had really needed the Nuun as it was getting hot and I could tell I was losing a lot of salt (my face felt gritty). I knew I could grab it after the turn around so kept going. That was a mistake because I didn’t realize how far out the turn around was. I finally realized around mile 4.5 that I wasn’t going to PR and let myself have a few walk breaks. I did get my Nuun on the way back, even asking to verify it was Nuun. Once I hit the spot where we rejoined the 5k people I had more walkers to contend with as well as crowds gathering of those that were spectating. I had to weave some more.
I may not have PR’d either race, but I had fun trying.
It’s disappointing yes but pushing myself and testing where I’m at in training is fun for me. I don’t always force myself when I have an “easy run” day, so I’m not always aware of my progress or capabilities. I downplay my runs. “I’m slow” “I’m a proud mid-packer” Yes, I am all of that, but I’m also out there most days working my butt off to get better.
