First Long run of January

COVID-19, “ The Rona Era”

It’s time to start those long run Saturdays again. Long runs are good training for marathons. I’m not doing a marathon this year. Wait, let me pause with that statement “ not doing a marathon , this year”. That cracks me up. For two years in a row, I trained and ran a marathon. 2022 Marathon and 2023 Big Sur. Years before I would train on the Boston course to get me ready for Paris Marathon. I’m tired. Big Sur with it’s hills , wind gust, and timed markers wiped me out. Finishing my last state in Hawaii, doing a half wiped me out. I’m just tired and not into it.

I need a break. I thought for my 50th I would run a marathon. When I think about it makes sense to run a Marathon when I’m 51 because I ran my first marathon at 41. I’m preparing to get back in running shape and to run 5 half marathons at 50. The first half. is the Flying Pig in Cincy. My goal is to do 10 miles every Saturday as my long run.

Today was my first attempt at that and it was a hot mess. I over dressed, I felt heavy- period is still happening, I didn’t have my earbuds, and I don’t think I fueled properly before. I’m not making excuses, I own all of it. This was my first time back doing part of the Boston Marathon route for training. Instead of 10, I ran 6.50 miles. I did a lot of run/walking.

What energized me was seeing my run friends and community as I was heading towards mile 20 and they were running in the opposite direction. I was happy and motivated. Next Saturday will be better. That was the baseline. It’s only improving from here on out.