Sunday, January 24, 2010

Double Digits

The last couple of years have taken on a little pattern: spring/early summer marathon, keep up with the middle distance (8-10 miles) runs over the summer, finish out the fall and then forget how to run anything farther than 5 miles. Come January, I start thinking I need to up the mileage so I can be ready for marathon training to start in February.

I broke the streak of short runs with a 10 miler this morning. I was more than happy to leave the house, as Sophie had been throwing up on me for about an hour. My husband, on the other hand, was not so excited for me to leave. The run was slow and slippery. Even my yak trax were no match for the icy dirt roads.

I had been feeling a little bit apprehensive about the long runs on my training plan, but something about breaking that double digit barrier restored my confidence in my ability to run long. I definitely need to speed up a little, but at least I know I can go the distance.

16 comments:

Erika said...

Poor Sophie! Glad you got a nice 10 miler in though. It's amazing what a strong long run does for confidence!

MCM Mama

Julie said...

Hi Heather,
Hey, way to get out on a ten miler. I know how it sucks with the ice...even with the Yaktrax. Yesterday morning myself, my husband and daughter all fell on our asses from walking on our driveway! I am sorry to here that Sophie is not feeling well again:(

Sarah said...

Way to go!!! Hope Sophie is feeling better soon! Those stomach bugs are the worst!

Anonymous said...

Distance is the most important. If you can't make the distance, it doesn't matter how fast you are.

Heidi said...

Good job! Feels nice to break the pattern once in a while.

Carly said...

Nice job on the 10 miler. It was quite slick out there today. I saw a runner go down not too far from my house. You are a lot braver than I am.

I hope Sophie is feeling better soon.

ShutUpandRun said...

Someone throwing up on me would make me run ten miles too. Great job.

Beth said...

I agree, breaking 10 miles is a big booster to the old confidence. When I haven't done it in a while I get worried that I won't be able to. Once do it, I feel like I'm back to where I want to be. Way to get out there in the ice and get it done!

Julia said...

Way to go on the 10 miler! I tend to slack off on the miles during the winter months too. You just gave some inspiration to break that barrier :)

Marlene said...

Congrats on the 10!

Running Through Life said...

Way to go on the 10 miler! I feel so couped up all winter and can't wait for the weather to break as well. You have got a great jump on marathon training. This is my first of the 18 week program.

Katie A. said...

Way to rock it! But poor, poor Sophie! Hope she is feeling better. Now that you have that first 10 out of the way, the door is open for longer and faster :) Great job!

Tricia said...

Great job!

Hope the little one gets to feeling better soon!

I Run for Fun said...

Yay! Great job on the 10-miler. Hope poor little Sophie feels better.

Jill said...

10 is an awesome number to crank out - way to go!!! Hope Sophie s doing better for you soon!

B.o.B. said...

Good for you sister! Way to get out there and hit the big 10. As I get into marathon mileage I miss 10 soooo much. You'll feel the same too when you start building more again.

Thanks for the kind words and condolences. I am sorry to hear about your best friend. Losing a loved one is never easy. Thanks again.