Over the past few years, I have learned to "train" through the summer. Each summer I have grand plans of learning to "race" well in the heat and humidity (DENIAL). I have had several good weeks of speed work which makes me believe I will run a decent 5k (DENIAL). I work out, I work out hard, and I believe I will run well. (DENIAL). I up my mileage and think I will run well (DENIAL). And then REALITY sets in. Today I ran another 5k, to end in a somewhat disappointing time. (yes it was REAL). I look on the bright side, because the only official goal that I had today was to run better than my worst 5k in 5 years, ( June 2010 5k - 25:47). So I did make my goal because today I ran 25:01. (note: this 5k was almost flat, and the June 5k was hilly)
Most of the time I consider myself a REALIST (drives my sister nuts). But when it comes to summer running, I go into this fantasy world where I believe if I train hard, I will race well, even in the summer. Prior to the race, my mind was saying 24:30 or faster (DENIAL). 25:01 (BACK TO REALITY). Now I realize why I live most of my life being a realist, and not an optimist. This racing "optimism" or "denial" is tough. :) lol! To be fair, I have had better summers than this year, but it's typical for me to go into summer races thinking this time, I'm ready. Even though I am typically somewhat disappointed with the summer racing results, I am happy that I live in my own little fantasy world, and continue to show up with great expectations. Even though I am not running as I would like to, I am happy to just be able to run each day, and race when I want to.
So, what now? I will continue to train hard. I will continue to show up for races, expecting a better time, and better results. I will continue to up my mileage for my fall marathon goal. Yep, summer heat and humidity, you will not break me out of my world of denial, fantasy or optimism. My fantasy world is better than not showing up at all. I would rather run a hard, slow, 5k than to be out of the game.
Other notes from today - it was exciting to be around runners who are excited about running and achieving new goals. Renee and Mitzie both ran prs today. So awesome - let me explain this further. Today, the temperature at race time was around 79 degrees with 90% humidity, with a real feel of 92 degrees. These ladies didn't let the heat slow their pace. I am excited for them, and even more excited to see them run this fall. I also met several people who are getting ready to train for their first half or full marathons - very exciting.
Vicki and Terry won the 5k today. These 2 runners are always so consistent and impressive.
I won the ladies master's award. Masters is such an "old feeling" word, but today I was excited because I won a gift certificate to Conestogo Steak House. I am not a steak eater, but Chad LOVES a slab of red meat, so he will be excited about my win today.
So it was another good day at the races, even with a slow summer time. Up next - Sunday will be a 12 miler with the guys to complete my 40 miles for the week, and Tues is another 2 mile predicted time run. I will be ready for that Tues. race and guess what.....I will RUN FAST! (because that's what my mind says before each summer race)
14 comments:
Congrats on your race, and your Masters award! Way to go! Summer heat/humidity definitely takes a toll on my running. It's early mornings outside or the treadmill if morning's don't work. I'm ready for fall!
Good report...BUT...you forgot me!! I got the Female Grandmasters. The only reason I mention it is because I suffered to get it, ha! Today was hard to say the least and like you I didn't run as I would have liked. But you did a great job as did the others and you're still an inspiration to me...love ya!
Congrats on your master's award! Good going. And there's nothing wrong with a bit of delusion--it's probably what keeps most of us going.
Sorry Robbie! Congrats to you for sure, and yes, you did earn it. (mostly, I was running my mouth during the awards and didn't "pay attention") I ran behind Vicki, so I knew about her, and I looked on the board to see who won for the men. Sorry! :)
I'm always optimistic before races and then even if things don't go my way, I'm just happy to have been out there doing my best. I usually choose chicken over steak, but I think steak has lots of iron. : ) Congrats on the win!
Hi Ginny,
Congrats on the Master's Award:) I remember when I turned 40 and learned that I was in the Master's...I was like, what? I am not that old...LOL!
I am also on a mission to get a PR in my 5K run. I just don't know how I can do that when I am doing the longer runs. It is hard to shift back and forth. I have a few more 5Ks on my schedule but I am not holding my breath:) Good luck to you...you can do it!
Great job on the Masters award Ginny, especially on a race where you feel you weren't as fast as you could be. The great thing about Masters is that it is becoming one of the most competitive age group categories at the races - all us 40-somethings are getting with it!!! (Plus, winning red meat is GOOD!) Have a great week and rock that Tuesday run!!!
I love steak! Anyway, great job on the Masters award, it has been so brutally hot around here, gosh I can not wait for it to end. I think having less than perfect runs reminds of how good the good ones are! Cheers!
Funny comment Ginny!!! It was 57 degrees when we went out on the rainy run - sorry....
San Francisco was named the No. 1 city for running -- maybe you should stop making up excuses and move here! I'd love to have a running buddy... :)
I can tell you one thing with certainty: You won't have to worry about heat training or hot summer runs/races! The average yearly temp is 59. Navigating the hills and terrain is another story though... :)
xoxo,
A
That's certainly not a slow time, well done! Congrats on the masters award as well! Here in SA veteran is 40-49, masters 50-59, grand masters 60-69 and great grand master 70 and above.
That's a great 5K time! And congrats on your award! This summer has been hotter then I can ever remember it being. It's been awful, so kudos to you for posting great times. I hate running in hot weather too. Give me 40 degrees any time!
Fall is almost here Ginny!
This has absolutely nothing to do with your post, but just found your blog and had to say... your top-of-blog photo (iris) is my favorite flower of all time. Therefore, you must be wickedly cool, so I am going to follow you. Happy running!
I think anyone who can run in this heat and humidity with those sort of times is simply amazing. I went out on Sundy when it was 80 degrees and zero humidity and I thought I was going to melt to death. Kudos to you for getting out there and never giving up. Look how incredibly fast you're going to be once that heat turns down!!! Good luck with the 12 this weekend!
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