I mapped out a 16-17 mile loop in Forest Park that I figured would take me about 3-1/2 hours. Since I was running by myself I didn't want to start too early so planned to arrive at the trailhead at 7:30. I don't know what's with my stomach lately, but I was not feeling good on the drive over. I seriously considered turning around and going back to bed! But the thought of bagging the run and the remorse and regret I'd feel later was worse than the thought of running with an upset tummy. A huge 5k would take place on Sunday and I knew I couldn't postpone because I really didn't want to have to navigate around that race to get to the trails. So I sucked it up and started my run as planned. I reminded myself that there have been many times where I've felt crappy and gone on to have great runs. And true to form, once I started running, I really didn't feel bad at all.
I've been pushing myself the past few weeks, anxious to move back up to that higher level I was at earlier this year. I don't run everyday so I've enjoyed some rest. But I have run with tired legs most of the week. On Saturday I didn't feel like I was going to break any speed records, but I could sense that I was starting to rebound. I kept an even pace and ran most of the hills steadily. I was surprised at how effortless the hills felt...like I was on an escalator. The highlight of the run was seeing a coyote. I've seen one at FP before, but this time I came a lot closer. He stood at the side of the trail and watched as I approached. I got pretty close before he finally turned away and jumped into the forest. A nice reminder of how lucky we are to have this wilderness in the city.
Sunday
Today there was the possibility of a family outing. But when the time came, the boys decided they would rather shoot some hoops. That was fine with me because then I could go at my own pace. I needed a little over 8 miles to make 40 for the week, which I'd like to keep as a minimum weekly mileage. I ran a loop that took me down to the Springwater Corridor, by the Willamette River. During the week, when its early and the city hasn't quite woken up yet, I'm fine running on the streets. But when its midday or evening I need to get away for the cars and onto a trail, even if it is paved. The only problem with this route is that the last 2 miles were uphill. Honestly, those last two miles were a struggle. But I got my 40 mile week!
13 comments:
Yeah for 40 miles, Sarah! Rebound is sweet, I felt it on that "stupid" downhill today, when I took off at sub-7's for half of it. Flyin'! Hills are still a struggle though:) I am taking them slow.
Love the use of "Obligatory"!!! Thanks!!
Good description of "just going out and running" despite how you feel. That happens very often for me, so much that I have learned to ignore any feeling at the start.
You are really building back nicely, cool!!
Sarah,
Hope you are feeling better soon. It's hard to get out there when you feel yucky, but it's always better after you do. See you soon!
You mean obligatory in the best possible way, I'm sure.
;-)
Good for you for making that 40 mile goal. That is always a nice way to end the week.
you are a tough one...thanks for the added inspiration to tough it out on my own this weekend. keeping a base of 40 is also inspiring, too. way to go, sarah :)
Great job in pushing yourself. I find it to be the hardest thing.
Ending on an uphill AND hitting 40 is definitely worthy of a post weekend party. =) I hope you're feeling great and recovering today - nothing too achy?
I would have been scared seeing a coyote - 'course, if I was fast like you, maybe I wouldn't have been as scared. ;-)
Great job this week!
It's always nice to mee your goal, yay for the 40! Sorry to hear about the unhappy tummy.
I read your report of the Timerline marathon and was quite jealous. I really wanted to run that this year, but I didn't want to push it with my own IT issues. I am glad to hear you kept your 40 miles week goal. Since school has started it has been hard for me to keep up with high mileage weeks and not reinjure my IT. I am trying to take it very easy. JOpe to see you in Portland, although I am only running the 5 miler this year. I don't want to push it with The Nike Women's a couple weeks later. Hope you week continues well and you fell better!
Jenny
yay!! Congrats on the 40 mile week :) That's generally what I try to keep my minimum at as well. It's a good number!
That's awesome taht you got that escalator feeling on the hills. I've rarely experienced that, but it's quite sweet when it happens :)
40 miles, yay!
40 mile base, you are one tough cookie. i hear ya on not letting those initial "uglies" take over.
way to push Sarah!! and congrats on getting ur 40 miles in, way to build it back up, ur on ur way back!!!
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