Oh yeah...Half Marathon Training

I appreciate the fact that I feel entitled to write about whatever I want here as long as I connect it to running...which I think I genuinely do. Nevertheless, I realized that my related-to-running rants have caused me to neglect actually writing about my running. This isn't to say I haven't been. On the contrary, I realized today that despite my lack of posting, I am in full-out half-marathon training (full-out is still relative, of course). 

A hectic few weeks of traveling proved to make increasing mileage very challenging. While I was excited to be able to keep up a basic routine, a lack of routine made getting over the 6-mile hump incredibly challenging. A wacky sleep schedule, lots of driving, and not upholding past pre-long run routines gave me 3 weeks of 6-milers. While the first one rocked (bff run in Chi-town!), the next two messed with my head and got under my skin. It was frustrating, but at the same time, an important reminder. The things I do differently on long runs - eating a pb&j sandwich, body gliding, drinking water the night before - have an impact, as they should. They say if it an't broke, don't fix it. It's taken too long this time around to remember that it's important to stick with what works. 

Since returning to Michigan, I've felt a lot better about long runs...and with good reason! Last week and this morning, Ryan and I ran 7 and 8 miles respectively, and both runs went GREAT! Ryan has officially ran his longest distance ever (re: ROCKSTAR!) and aside from a  tight knee, we both felt great on both runs. For me, the biggest part of this is that I feel like I'm in a good place mentally for the next few weeks. When I ran my last half in April, I was dreading it because I knew I hadn't prepared the way I needed to. Leading up to race day, I was filled with regret, instead of excitement. Being part of big races can be motivating, exhilarating, and a lot of fun, but not when you're busy thinking about all the things you should've or could've done differently. This time around, I feel great about how things are going, knowing I'm doing all I can to enjoy the run when it gets here. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't have small goals, but with the craziness of the summer and the craziness of the back-to-school season, I want to be realistic about what I can do, instead of ruining race day with feelings of regret.