You ever go for a run and get mentally lost? This is a euphoric feeling that does not happen every time you lace up you favorite pair of shoes and hit the pavement. Stars align, the temperature is perfect and your body keeps telling you to keep going. These are my favorite runs, whether in a race or in a training run. In fact, this very morning, I got in a groove, got "lost", and before I knew it, my Garmin read 10 miles! This "groove" I speak of should be something you work yourself in to every single workout. After all, the euphoric runs do not come in bulk. Getting into a groove means you have loosened up, got your breathing right, your stride feels good, and your are coasting. Many times, when a person says they had a bad run, they could not find that "groove."
My groove usually sets in at about the one mile mark. I have got an idea of how my breathing will be (will asthma sometimes you never know), my gait is good, and my technique is solid. Maybe I know the distance I am aiming for or maybe not, but I usually determine that based on my start time. If I get "lost", I listen to my body and just keep going, and this usually results in a great pace.
I have the Chicago Half Marathon coming up on September 12, and I am feeling really confident. My short runs are quick and my long runs are efficient and the injuries are staying away. To top it all off, the weather is ideal and the miles are ramping up.
Here is an overview of my last 4 weeks of training:
Total: 102.18 miles
Avg. Pace: 7.25/mi
Total Time: 12 hrs. 39 min.
I have made a couple alterations to my training regimen. I have returned the Saucony Kinvara for a pair of New Balance 759's. Yes these are neutral shoes. While the Kinvara was extremely light, I cannot honestly say I was ready for them. My gait is not perfect and I still have a long way to go to strengthen feet and ankles in the Vibram 5 Fingers. Another change I made is I alternate supportive and neutral shoes each run. I feel like this satisfies my gait and balances me out. Lastly, I often run twice per day. Whether short on time or I just do not find my groove in the morning, I shorten the run and finish in the evening. This is just as satisfying from a mileage and fitness standpoint, and I am often faster in the PM.
These adjustments have worked out great and I feel like Chicago will be a success. Stay tuned!
TIP: Listen to your body and re-evaluate your training regimen often. This will allow you to make adjustments. Changing up a routine will only make you better and stronger. When you run the same mileage at the same time each day on the same route, you may feel a little different, but your body gets use to it. For example, did you know you burn 3% more calories when changing pace than maintaining a constant pace? This variation makes your body work a little harder more often. So change it up but get in a groove and you will notice a favorable difference!
HAPPY RUNNING!
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