I couldn't even blog my workout until after I watched the Olympic Trials because I didn't want to accidentally stumble across the results. So, I just finished dancing around my living room, trying to will the runners across the line. It is definitely bittersweet to watch the trials. My heart broke a little bit again, knowing that I have the ability to be there, but have struggled with injuries. But, I am definitely inspired by the work ethic and the extreme mental toughness of the runners in the trials. It put the fire back in my soul, after a few apathetic months of trying to heal up, and contemplating giving up running all together. I just want "that moment". The one where all of the hard work and struggles come together, and it is all worth it. I don't even know right now what "that moment" is. But, I want it again.
Today was a good step back on that path. I made it through a 14 mile run, though I was starting to struggle a bit after 10. I can tell a huge difference in fitness over the last three weeks, that makes me feel encouraged. Of course, it helped having some great running partners, so Allie and Andrea, thanks for pulling me along today.
We met a pretty big group at Tanner Park this morning. I hope it continues to grow. We ran out 2700 S, onto Murray-Holladay Road, up to Wasatch Blvd, and back to 2700 S and the park. We managed to run just under 7:10 a mile, which was not a bad pace!
I'm happy I managed to increase my long run. I also hit my first 50 mile week. I didn't meet my goal this week of adding in some cross training and strength training, so I will be keeping that goal for next week. I would like to go up to 55 miles next week, and probably keep the long run in the 13-15 mile range for a while. | 