Thursday Beach Run

COVID-19, ‘The Rona Era”

32 degrees this Thursday morning. I wanted to get up early and run the beach. My 5 a.m. start running on the beach time didn’t start until 6 a.m. I slowly got up , stretched, and got my body ready to move and groove.

When I arrived on the beach, it was quiet. I saw the recs and parks crew cleaning up the sand on the beach. That was the only “ noise” at the start of my run. I took my start picture and did some more stretching before starting the run.

Today, I wanted to see how my knee would feel after acupuncture. This would be my long run for the middle of the week. Besides testing out the knee, I would be tasting out my new running schedule for marathon training. My coach suggest I run 6- 7 miles this morning. I ran 8 miles and walked for 2-3 minutes, which my coach recommended.

I felt good and strong running along the beach. I was mindful about how my knee felt. The first 4 miles, I knee was getting warmed up, then the next four miles I had a better stride. I wanted to make sure I was not over compensating on the right knee. I ran from Revere Beach to Lynn. When I crossed back over the bridge to run towards the beach, I saw all the school children out waiting for the bus. Plus the sun was coming up.

This is when I knew I was late. Late for me, means slower than my normal. I’m still working on this knee situation. I ran 8.06 miles at a 11:15/mile pace which took 1:30:47. I got it done.

I keep thinking that running 26.2 my aim is for a 5:15 - 5:30 marathon. No speed goals here, just keeping healthy, getting to the start line and having the confidence that you can get through all the phases of the race.

Miles 1-5

Miles 6-12

Miles 13-17

Miles 17-21

Miles 21-26.2!