All it takes is all you've got

TIRED. Long drive Friday and then again yesterday, plus staying up too late both Friday and Saturday night and not sleeping well outside of my own bed all took its toll on me.

I did some weights and pool running today. And took a nap.

Workout at East Boulder Rec

Sally Kipyego style recovery run: extra slow.

Did anyone else read that article in Running Times about what pace is best for a recovery run?

I think its awesome that Sally Kipyego runs her recovery runs at 8:30 min/mile. I need to implement more of that into my training. I think it will help me say more fresh.

This morning's slow run made me feel great! My form felt a lot more clean and upright and as a result my achilles and hips felt rejuvinated instead of sore and tired.

I was in a black hole this morning. Starting last night actually. I had a hard time sleeping because I just felt down. Stressed, overwhelmed, dissapointed in myself, ect.

I woke up and did not have any desire to go running. My 8yo woke up right after me and pleaded with me to help her start the shower and stay home to make her breakfast. I was SO tempted to stay home, but Aaron was prepared to help the kids and I needed to somehow climb out of my black hole, so I left for my run.

Every step was forced. I was cold and tired and emotionally down, my achilles hurt, my back and neck were kinked...once I start down that path of negativity, the floodgates open, you know. 

Just after mile two of my run, the first runner I had seen (or at least noticed) was a random husky guy in a hoodie. As he approached me, he held his hand out in a silent guesture to give me a high five. Those tenths of a second between when I saw his hand and when I slapped it firmly, passed quickly. High fives just come instinctually when offered, I guess. As soon as I slapped his hand, I felt an incredible boost of energy and support.

I'm not sure if this man put much thought into his guesture, but he totally made my day! It was as if he was saying, "Good job getting out here to run even though you didn't want to. Its hard some days and we do it anyway. We're in this together. Keep loving yourself and honoring your need for daily exercise. Keep going."

Back, neck and achilles tendons hurt so I rode my bike to Rally Sport with K in the trailer and did some pool running.

Almost didn't race because of this horrible back kink that has been killing me for a few days, but decided to stick with the plan because I would have been doing a workout alone anyway. My running group is running a half-marathon tomorrow, but I didn't want to race on Sunday with them and I also am not ready to race a half.

Race start was at 8:30 a.m. Hot, windy, and long course.

Had a hard time breathing. Felt like my rib was crowding my lungs. Considering the circumstances, it was a very solid effort and I am pleased with the outcome. There was one guy ahead of me and the nearest female was a few minutes back. I ran alone the whole time but at least it was an out and back, so I got to see and support/be supported by lots of runners on the way back. Fastest mile was my last. Not the time I was hoping for, but lots of things to be happy about.