Three months into being back in Richmond, I think I’ve fully settled down into the new “normal.” But what, really, is normal with an almost 4-year-old, training for my 4th marathon, working at an ad agency with a large client, and the hottest July on record?
I’ve neglected writing much about my training or things that have happened on runs, mainly because my blog was low on the priority list.
Today, though, is a good opportunity to talk about things that have happened with running over the past few months — some repeats from a few posts, some lessons learned or relearned, and some random thoughts along the way.
So now let me move out of the way of myself and bring you September’s 12 things, on time.
1. I now have 5 shoes in rotation: 3 original Saucony Mirages, 1 pair of Saucony Kinvara, and 1 pair of Saucony Mirage 2. I expect the Mirage 2 will be my marathon pair.
2. A friend of mine found a great song by Trampled by Turtles this past spring and recently their albums were featured on Amazon for $5. I downloaded two and put them into my rotation for the couple of times a week I run with music.
3. Cold showers > ice baths.
4. Magic Hat Circus Boy is back. It’s a great post long run beverage in the evenings.
5. Speed work is now a normal and expected thing to do. I actually look forward to it. I have really screwed that up in recent training cycles.
6. I’ve readjusted my marathon goal to be a range instead of a specific time. I’ve honed in on 3:40-3:45. Doing that has allowed me to feel a little more flexible when I’m doing marathon paced runs.
7. I am planning a full post on this sometime, but the Runner’s World weekend has become a family affair. That’s all I’m saying for now.
8. Here’s what 5:30 looked like on Sunday:
9. This past weekend’s 18-miler is the first long run of the season in which I have felt truly tired the day after. It’s definitely prime time for a recovery week.
10. I don’t regret my move to Richmond one bit, but I do miss my runs in Bedford where 99% of the people at least said “hi” back or at least acknowledged my existence. I will continue to say “hi,” though, or tip my cap, or give a wave.
11. Random thought I’ve had: I’ve been seeing a lot of people saying they’re a “real runner” now that they lost a toenail. No. It most likely means your shoes are still a half size too small.
12. To sum up my thoughts as the seasons begin to change, I must say that I am very happy with my state of running right now. By no means is it perfect, but I’m finding that my mind frame has changed a lot in the past month to focus on doing the best I can right now. That’s translated into happy running.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
#11 — HAHAHA. Yeah, I’ve never lost one either.
Great 12, all good things, looks like you’re in a very good place for your 5th marathon!
No. 4. Just my 4th.
Yah, only one of us lost a toenail….and totally recognize it does not mean “real runner.” Pretty sure I just should have trimmed my toenails before that race and it was annoying having a weird toenail for almost a year. You live and you learn! Number 3 totally made me shiver!
LOL on the toenail. I lost mine to the coffee table, not running, but I know to up-size my running shoes.
“10. I don’t regret my move to Richmond one bit, but I do miss my runs in Bedford where 99% of the people at least said “hi” back or at least acknowledged my existence. I will continue to say “hi,” though, or tip my cap, or give a wave.”
I can definitely relate to this one! Everyone calls Charlottesville a friendly, great running town and people RARELY return my wave, or even acknowledge my presence!!
I really don’t get it at all. We’re all out there doing the same thing. What’s worse is when a group of runners go by and no one acknowledges you.