Throwback Thursday: April Miles and May Trials

Here's another throwback Thursday from my old blog. I figure a few insights from my old blog or from my running log might give some insight to any new followers or readers on where I've been in relationship to where I am now and where I hope to go next. At this point the 2020 Olympic Trials Qualifying goal is next to impossible, so I set my sights more on completion and participation in a marathon with hopes to BQ and maybe run faster at the Boston Marathon next year. I'm feeling less discouraged than normal in some ways, but more discouraged in others. The next to impossibility takes some of the self induced pressure off of me.... which is a bit of a relief, but at the same time, if I don't go for it now it's almost like kissing the goal good bye... I'd rather go for it and totally fail than pack it in... So I need to decide what "going for it" looks like in this stage. Honestly, I am not giving up by any means... It's just really important I stay focused on tasks I can manage rather than the really big insurmountable ones. The recent changes to the IAAF Olympic Qualification guidelines has taken some of the fun out of trying to get to the trials, anyway... There's something pretty magical about that anything can happen feeling on a starting line. The idea that everyone's opportunity is the same is just such a beautiful part of the sport... so... eh, I don't know....

Anyway, in light of all the instagram posts sharing April Mileage, I thought this was an appropriate post (and a quick read). Just a look at what April 2010 looked like (and I edited it a bit to include what May looked like by putting in the results of the races I put on the calendar. I feel very sure I will be able to run that much mileage again, but unsure what the speed or quality will look like.  Hell, it could be another 4 years before I can really run, but I'm coming to terms with what I might need to give up in order to maintain longevity in the sport. Not giving up yet! Just... Processing​

May 6, 2010: April Miles, May Trials

The following is a recap of my April Training (miles) and my race plans for May (trials... like time trials):

April
Total Miles: 243
I did 23 regular runs, 10 of which were under 7:30 pace, and two of those 10 were under 7 minute pace. I had 6 interval workouts, 2 tempo runs, 1 hill session, 1 race (5k, 18:36), and 4 pool workouts which is 37 workouts in a 30 day span (this does not include the drills and strength training) GO ME! It helped that I had a vacation week in there, so I could do some double sessions. The one race I did was for Autism Awareness. I really tried to hold myself back, but the weather was perfect, and I felt good. I was surprised because I ran 2 hours the day before (only 13.5 miles, but 6 were at my sisters pace... so it took a while and turned out to be more tiring than I anticipated!!) I did have to take 1 ten minute day just at the end of the month after I got 5 new students. I needed to rest! but overall, one of my best months yet!

Here is my race schedule for May:
May
May 8th: Autism Awareness for New England Center for Children (19:18)
May 15th: New Balance Twilight Series, Meet 1: 10k on the track (it should be fast... there's money at the finish, so I'll be lucky if I don't get last!) (was sick: DNS)
May 22nd: USATF NE 12k Championships (45:40, 6:07 pace)
May 30th: Baldi River Run, 5miler (30:28)
Training hasn't been great so far, I've been really tired, and really busy... and have allergies out of NO WHERE! I never get allergies! I'm just trying to enjoy getting back into the competitive spirit. I don't have any specific time goals, I just want to feel in control, and smooth again. Fast times will come from that (and from patience)

Looking way ahead, I'm planning to do the Philly Half in November (I ended up doing the 8k that I included last week (28:47)). Matt and I are going to go together again... only this time we wont be spectating (not that that wasn't fun...) In the meantime, I'm just enjoying the process, and trying to stay relaxed and confident about my fitness level as I head into a big racing month.

It's funny to go back and read these and share them. Some things have not changed a bit! I have a lot of posts in my blog (and in my old running log) are about me being discouraged or upset that things aren't clicking. I have had some long stretches of injury before and they don't seem so long when I look back... and I just wonder to myself what I'll think of my current state in hindsight. I'll get through this, and if you're injured feeling like there's no hope, you'll get through it too.