So. Once upon a time there was a girl who started running. Almost exactly 2 years ago. And for nearly 2 years, she ran whatever pace she felt like running. Whether it be a race or a long run or a training run. It was all pretty much the same. She ran easy, all the time.
After a pretty successful second running season, she began to wonder what she could do to improve her pace a little. It HAD improved, just due to lots of miles, but not as much as she'd like it to improve. She added a couple of speedwork sessions in that year, and liked them, but her schedule prevented her from running speedwork with the club much, and she was too lazy to do it on her own.
She added in a weekly strength class, and that helped more than she ever dreamed it would. She FELT stronger. She walked less. And as a bonus, winter wasn't really winter 'round here, so she kept running and running, putting good miles in all winter long.
Beginning a new training season for her next marathon, she sought a different training plan. The new plan had more miles. The new plan had 2 pace specific runs per week. Her friend had entered the paces she believed were appropriate. This runner immediately balked, thinking, "That's WAY too fast for me. There's no WAY I can do that." She amended the plan and started to execute it.
BUT. She DID run as fast as the plan originally called for. She COULD match those paces she'd never dreamed of running. She PR'd the 10k on a training run. She repeated that pace again and again. She ran her fastest ever timed mile (since beginning 2 years ago) AT THE END of a 6 mile training run.
SHE CAN.
(not sure where the hell that leaves my original goals for the year, but WHAT A GREAT problem to have!)
Good for you! I mean her!
ReplyDeleteNice! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome!!! Way to go!!
ReplyDeleteGreat problem to have indeed! Congrats chica!!!
ReplyDeleteVery awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteIssuing rock star status now ...
ReplyDeleteWay to go!
Way to go!
ReplyDeleteIt's a good problem to have :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
Oh yeah, bring on that problem :-)
ReplyDeleteI can relate to the running pace quandary you had, I seem to only really have ONE pace .... gonna address this after end of April, until then I shall plod on.
What an awesome problem to have, indeed!
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely our own worst enemies when it comes to running faster. One of the reasons I love running the dark: I can't see my Garmin so I have to run by feel. I'm always faster than I think I can run!
ReplyDeleteThat is AWESOME. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteTime to recalculate my dear! Running is such a great metaphor for life (thanks Oprah) You totally CAN! :D
ReplyDeleteWay to go! Speed specific training will help so much! I always worry that I cannot make my speed runs but I almost always can. They are just intimidating!!!
ReplyDeleteOf course you can:)
ReplyDeleteI am discovering the exact same thing now too! I look at the paces I'm supposed to hit, say "No WAY!", then go out... and do it! Isn't it awesome to be discovering your fast??
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteWay to go, rock star!!
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! I love that you are doing so well!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I LOVE that you used the TWSS. Perfect!
good for you! this post makes me feel good :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome Awesome Awesome. This is gonna be a great year for you Bobbi!
ReplyDeletelove this post! of course you can!
ReplyDeleteGreat job love...so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteThis post was really exactly what I needed to read right now! Thank you for sharing. We share so much -
ReplyDeleteI started running 2 years ago and also got faster but wanted to go even faster. I too am scared that I really can't do those speed runs, but have really enjoyed the handful I've done. I too added a weight training session weekly (and love it!). I too hope to run more and walk less.
Thank you Bobbi for sharing this post! I hope you continue to have awesome runs and make mind blowing progress. I believe in your abilities!!!!