Yes I’m a little late on my end of week review. It’s been a tough week so don’t hate me. This week was the first week that there was a significant jump in mileage and difficulty. So far, I’ve been breezing through workouts with not too difficult of an effort. My long runs of up to 15 miles have been almost enjoyable even in snowy conditions. I was beginning to wonder if I was working hard enough.

This week I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and paid the price for that effort. The runs during the middle of the week are usually shorter runs done at a slightly faster pace than usual. Well, the shorter part didn’t happen. Both of my mid-week runs were 10 miles plus and at a really good pace. Still, I felt good.

stic we run official cover
Theme Music!

My first race was this weekend. My training plan called for a 6 mile run for Saturday so I elected to race a 10k to test my fitness level. I didn’t sleep well because of the anxiety of possibly running in the rain. But, miraculously, the rain cleared just for the race. There was only a slight drizzle for about the first half mile. I surprised myself in the race. For the first time ever I won my age group! Also, I beat my previous 10k best by nearly 2 minutes. That’s incredible considering wet roads and a hilly course. I think I passed the fitness test.

Now comes the difficult part. My Sunday long run called for 16 miles. I was looking forward to it as I was riding the high of yesterday’s accomplishments. I felt slow but ok for the first 6 miles. Then it all fell apart. The fatigue from having run so fast yesterday began to cause serious issues. My hips and hamstrings began to tighten so bad I began to feel pain. I could no longer push pace at all. Then, my watch decided to stop my workout after about 12.5 miles. That took me mentally out of the workout. I kept running and my watch somehow started another workout on its own. I have no idea the exact mileage I completed but it didn’t matter. I quit. I just couldn’t complete the workout. I’m guessing I finished somewhere between 15 and 16 miles though. I felt so bad afterwards that I am actually scared to do my next workout.

I’m just hoping for an easier time next week.