So I think once again I am fighting off one of the kids colds. I thought it was allergies, but it may be a cold. Who knows, but whatever it is, I think it slowed me down a little bit today. My lungs felt labored. I did 6 miles. I planned to do 6 but it felt more like 12. I was mentally ready for it, but once I got out there my mental game was missing. I was feeling challenged.
Lately I have been questioning my method of training with using the Galloway run/walk/run method. Before doing it, I could run a 5K in just over 28 minutes. Now when I run a 3 mile distance (while doing walk run 4:00/1:00) I am clocking it around 32 minutes! I may have to go out for a run soon and not stop for a walk and see what my time comes out to be. However, when I decided to increase my distance, that is why I used that method. I listened to Jeff’s podcasts, read things on his website, got one of his books and really wrapped my head around the idea that this was the way for me to run to avoid injury and to recover quicker.
My husband asked me while he saw me out on the run and pulled over with the kids, why I stop to run. My timer went off so it was a walk break. I just told him this is the method of training I am doing. He was a sprinter in high school so distance running isn’t something he is interested in. But he also sees marathon runners who run the entire distance and doesn’t see them take walk breaks. Now mind you, I am now 40 years old, am not a professional runner and this is a new endeavor for me. So I am taking the safer approach. I don’t have to justify myself to him or anyone else, but I have been questioning the style for a few weeks now.
However, I do like this style of running. It has allowed me to run 15 miles, my shin splints are completely healed, I can walk the same day after running a long distance, and I feel good while out running. I was told to read about chi running. I think that is the type of running I do.
So after my 6 mile run today, I am going to give my legs and brain a break for 2 full days and head out on Good Friday for a 10 miler in the morning. I’d like to have 2 10 mile runs under my between between now and the half marathon. Once I get this 10 mile run done in a few days I think it will help me build up the courage and mental toughness I need to feel confident about this big race for me.