Governor OVERRIDE!

It's no secret, I love this blog world that I have been a part of for the past couple of years.  So many ideas, things to think about, things to try,  shopping recommendations, training philosophies, inspirations, on and on..... so I wanted to say thank you blog world.  Thank you for all of the things listed above, and thanks to any and all who leave comments - it's a treat to read the feedback - love it!


As a started my 16 mile run today, so many thoughts were running through my head.  I wanted to take notes, which lead me to thinking Apple should create a technology that would take your mental thoughts,  and put them in a note pad  on your Ipod, which led me to think I would have to do tons of editing, especially when the run is tough....bleep, bleep, bleep   - maybe not the best idea afterall....


For the most part, the run was excellent today.  I pulled it out.  It wasn't easy, it wasn't the hardest ever.    Today the temps. were warm compared to our recent temps.   (real feel of 72-74 by the time I finished).  It wasn't hot, but it was warm enough to make the run more of an effort today.  My goal today was to run the 1st 8 miles around 9:15 avg, and then the 2nd 8 miles at MP of 8:45.  I ended mile 8 with an average of 9:13.  Now, pick up the pace!  Immediately get on 8:45 pace, and try to settle in to it.  It always takes a little while to adjust to a quicker pace.  After the first mile or so,  this is the conversation I had:


"I just ran 13.1 last Sunday at 8:13, are you trying to tell me I can't run 8 miles at 8:45 today?   but last Sunday the temp. was perfect for running...this week it's a little warm, and this is your first long run in warmer temps...you need time to adjust to the MILD heat....

OH NO - I think NOT....Governor OVERRIDE!  (thanks Meg) 

About the same time, the gel kicked in and I was quickly able to get on pace and hold it, until....I turned right.....into the wind.....then another right....into a stronger wind.  

So the rest of the run was a battle of the mind and the override.   

*I'm going to have to fight for it....

*I'm just 2 wks out from my marathon, maybe I should "shut it down" and "save it for race day.  

*Governor override - RUN - you can do it.

*The wind is blowing really hard, it would be ok to slow the pace just a little...

*Governor overide - PUSH - you can do this 

Before too long I was finishing the run - 9-16 went like this:

8:44, 8:43, 8:45, 8:43, 8:49, 8:41, 8:49, 8:42.  It's funny, you can even see the back and forth in the splits, in the later miles, but the OVERRIDE worked.  I ended the 2nd 8 miles @ 8:45 avg. pace.  Happy with it!

This week:

Monday - 5.5 miles easy and weights

Tues. - 9.5 miles - 2 mile w/u, 8 hill repeats @ 3:12 avg, then c/d to get 9.5 miles total running.

Wed. - 10 miles on hills - I think this one was around 9:40 avg? weights

Thurs. - 5 miles easy and yoga at The Yoga Room

Fri - 10 miles easy on the Longleaf trail with Jen - (The Running Artist) and lifted weights. 

Sat - Roots and Shoots 5k - 23:35 - I like to run 5ks close to my marathon as a gauge of my training and what I might expect in my upcoming marathon.  I'm pleased with the results.  I haven't "trained" for a 5k, and I had 40 miles prior to this 5k.  I ran 10 miles on Fri., and lifted weights.  

This, and next weekend, will be my last opportunities to run a 5k on high mileage because I generally take 2 wks off from running, after my marathons.  After the marathon, and the 2 wks off, it's like starting over.    The marathons "trash me",  so it takes a while to get back in 5k shape, post marathon.  I have one more 5k attempt this Sat.  I will be tapering a little in mileage this week, so I'm hoping for a tiny bit of improvement.

Sun - 16 miles

Total of 61 miles this week.  Originally, I had planned for last week's 62 miles to be my max. and then start to taper in mileage, but I had the opportunity to run 10 with Jen on Wed. and couldn't pass it up.  I'm happy with that.  

This week I will taper in mileage a little, but will keep the intensity (quality workouts) in place. 

 If the weather cooperates in Albany, GA, I'm EXPECTING (hoping for) good results.   

I bought a clock last week with this printed on the surface of the clock.

I know I'm only competing against myself
I set goals and work hard to accomplish them
I understand the power of the human will
I strive to help others in their quest for success
I know that I can face whatever road lies ahead
I am not satisfied with the status quo
My true self shines through
I am a Marathoner

and finally....

(I copied this from someone on Twitter who copied it from fb)

I thought it was funny! 

"...Never underestimate the strength of a woman.  Never "mess"(edited this part) with one who runs 26.2 miles for fun."