Interval: The Summer of Miles rolls on
A long-needed update
For whatever reason, I haven’t been able to figure out what to write about the last month or so. I can’t make sense of it. When I last left you, I was two weeks into marathon training. A bit frustrated by how things had started, feeling a bit fatigued, but I felt like I was finally coming through to the other side. I was confident better days were ahead. I just needed to adjust a bit more to the summer weather and earlier wakeup calls.
The following week of training — week three — was the oddest one yet. The College World Series had me juggling runs, both days and times, unlike any training week over the last 2.5 years. I hit every run — 58 miles in total — and I finally sensed a groove and rhythm had been found.
With week four, the CWS was behind me, so I was able to hit my training runs on their actual assigned days. A 14-mile run early in the week was my best non-race run since last year. It continued through that Saturday, as I put together a really great 18-mile run, with the last ten faster than race pace.
Weeks five and six were more of the same. Seven was the best yet, as I went 71 miles, the first time I’d ever hit 70 in a single week. I also had my longest non-race run ever: 21 miles. I feel stronger than I ever have before. My body has adapted well to the increased miles and by now, a 4:30 wake-up call on a weekday morning is just the cost of doing business.
I’ve found my groove.
Cool down:
I often run alone. I like it that way. Able to get into my own thoughts. Think about the radio show. Think about the run. Listen to a podcast or a book. It’s my time. Sometimes I talk to myself. Frustrated that my heart rate is too high usually results in an audible, “are you kidding me?” I’m incredulous out there. Alone in my feelings. Getting those miles.
But I decided to head to Peak Performance for their Monday night summer run this past week; step out of my comfort zone. My actual run was good enough. The temps were high, so I kept it easy, but then I got back to Peak, walked in bag to grab a beer, and I realized this was where I wanted to be. Needed to be. Over 100 runners, nerding out about running. My head was spinning, I was having so much fun. I tried on a pair of shoes1 from a Saucony shoe rep and did a quick lap around the building, eventually buying them. I also met someone I have previously written about — Derek from Strava2.
I continue to toy around with what I’m going to strive for in Chicago. One of the first things Derek said to me after a quick introduction was “3:15?” It’s been my stated goal throughout the first bit of training. Any time I need to run “marathon pace,” I’m going for 7:26 miles. I don’t see that changing anytime soon… but, I’m hitting that pace with really high heat. This upcoming week shows low temps in the 60s. To say I’m curious about my pace would be an understatement. I think I’ll learn a lot.
I wrote about it a few months ago, but I love window shopping for running gear. Finally bought some new stuff over the weekend and I’m excited to try it out.
Finally, my fundraising continues for St. Jude. With 11 weeks until race day, I’m at $2272 raised - $228 away from an even 50% of my goal. If you’re able to help out, you can do so here.
Thanks for reading!
The log week 3:
Sunday: Rest
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 9 miles
Wednesday: 11 miles
Thursday: 5 miles
Friday: 13 miles
Saturday: 15 miles
Weekly total: 58 miles
Training total: 167 miles
The log week 4:
Sunday: Rest
Monday: 9 miles, with 8 x 10 second hills + 8 x 100 meter sprints
Tuesday: 14 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 11 miles
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 18 miles, with the last 10 aiming for a sub-7:26 mile
Weekly total: 62 miles
Training total: 229 miles
The log week 5:
Sunday: Rest
Monday: 5 miles
Tuesday: 9 miles, with 5 of them faster than normal
Wednesday: 14 miles
Thursday: 12 miles
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 18 miles
Weekly total: 63 miles
Training total: 292 miles
The log week 6:
Sunday: Rest
Monday: 8 miles, with 10 x 100 meter sprints
Tuesday: 12 miles
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 10 miles
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 15 miles
Weekly total: 55 miles
Training total: 347 miles
The log week 7:
Sunday: Rest
Monday: 13 miles, with 10 in the morning and the aforementioned 3 at Peak
Tuesday: 5 miles
Wednesday: 14 miles
Thursday: 7 miles, with 10 x 100 meter sprints
Friday: 21 miles
Saturday: 11 miles
Weekly total: 71 miles
Training total: 418 miles
I purchased them the next day. My ASICS have given me problems the last month and with the increased mileage, one of the owners from the store recommended that it’s time for a different shoe.
Next time I see him, I should probably tell him this is the second time he’s appeared in the newsletter.
Josh, love that you found a group to join for some of your running/training. Like you, I usually prefer training alone, or at least I thought I did. When I made the jump from running to triathlons, I happened across a group of guys here in KC and started to regularly join them for training. Not only did I find an incredible joy with their comradely but I also started to challenge myself in many different ways because of them. Heck, they have me almost talked into signing up for a 50K, LOL. This group gives me an outlet that I never knew I was missing and has helped me become a better racer. Now I look forward to seeing them on Wednesdays, and for our long rides on the weekends.
As for the shoes…I had the same issue with Asics. Switched to Hoka’s and have never looked back. Curious if you have looked into carbon plated shoes. Saucaony makes one of the best! Looking to make the switch to a carbon shoe for my next half or full IM. The reviews and the impact on running is well documented.
As always, thanks for sharing your story. Hopefully, I will make it back to Nebraska for a long weekend this fall and can meet you in person at a Friday remote! Have a great week, happy running, and Cheers!