Sunday, February 20, 2011

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."





15 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, I'm first to comment, that makes me SO happy because this POST was awesome. So inspirational. You pressed through and pushed it and look at those results. It is more than your paces, it's the way you felt and I can tell you felt great!! So happy for you! I loved the marathoner quote as well...might have to "borrow" that one.
By the way, I've listened to that episode over four times now and I've learned something new each time!
Have a wonderful week!!

Chris K said...

Hey look, San Diego North County REPRESENTS on this Comment Board.

Great job Ginny. 61 miles...you are a stud. Way to hang tough today.

I was going to "mess" with you too, but after that warning, I decided that I probably shouldn't.

Christine said...

Great training week!! Enjoy your tapper! :)

Jennifer said...

Great post Ginny. You really are a super running partner, even if I can only keep up for the easy runs! I like the Governor idea, after reading yours and Megs posts I think I will embrace the concept!

Carlee said...

awesome week and I love your mantra. I need something like that myself.

Jenn said...

Oh my- I just love the commentary going on in your head! Way to overcome! Great pacing-Nice work!!

Great training week. I need to force myself to do more 5K's. They are easy to find and generally cheap but I just panic when I even think about them. Hope you can enjoy your taper a bit! I struggle so much with taper and recovery-causes ALL sorts of commentary in my head!!! I do however love that feeling of fresh legs on race day!!

That quote is awesome! I will definitely have to copy that one down-perhaps the unedited version!

Have a great week:)

Johann said...

Just perfect! I loved reading this, well done! Have a great week!

Robbie said...

I always love reading your blog. It's like we're talking and I love it!! The quotes at the end...priceless!! Love ya.......

HappyTrails said...

You SHOULD expect GREAT results! I love the Governor Override - nice word picture. Good job on your training. This just popped into my head:
Have you ever thought about doing more trail training ie: with a friend who's name is Jennifer (and who also ran 26 trail miles, feels like 30 paved miles yesterday!), to see how it would impact your overall strength and speed for your road marathons??? Just curious, that's all. I guess I am hoping you might commit your body to this research project. Inquiring minds want to know! LOL. Plus, you know how so very fond of trails we are. :-) Have a great week!

Lindsay said...

I am gonna have to borrow this - my runs have been getting slower and slower. I know I'm mostly afraid of pushing myself and I need to buck up!

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

Chris - ha - I'm harmless, really!

Jenn - I'm with ya, DO NOT LIKE THE TAPER!

Happy Trails - yes, actually I did go with Jen a few weeks ago, and totally agree, it would make me SO MUCH STRONGER on the road. need to go more often.

lindsay - go get it girl - we are ready for your strong return

Tri-James said...

Way to push through.

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

Speaking of trail running vs. road running. Trail running tires me out more than road running - definitely. Great pace on your 16 miler in the heat!

RunToTheFinish said...

amen the blogging world has made a huge impact on my life. I am so drooling over your nice long runs right now, I miss them but work has been so insane.

you are doing amazing with your pacing!

Jill said...

I love the mental games you have; you're such a BA and can wilk and will yourself into the most amazng runs. I know the marathon will go fantstic because you won't let it not!

Wow, all that writing was on a CLOCK? That's so cool!!!

You've been nothing but encouraging and motivational and a good friend to me all these years of blogging - thank YOU! (and sorry I've been MIA awhile, just a lot going on).
xo