This summer was very different for me. First of all I didn't spend it filling out applications and interviewing. That was a refreshing change after all the interviews I had last year. I also did not pick up a full time job. I only coached gymnastics two evenings a week for a total of four hours a week. It's definitely been nice to have most of two months to myself.
Now normally when I have extra time I run more, but I'm training with a new coach who has me doing lower mileage than I'm used to doing. That's been a little weird, but with the rut I was in, I decided to give it a try. I've been following her training plan almost perfectly- only a few days flopped around and four days of training out of state for school where I just did what I could.
But my times were not responding. Why, you might ask. I'm following a training plan, doing a weekly strength work out, plenty of recovery and relaxation time- yet my times were were way off where I want them to be.
This summer has really emphasized something I kind of already knew- I'm not a warm weather runner. I've always known that I like racing in colder weather- I love high 40s at race start! So this constant high 80s or 90s with a fair amount of humidity has kicked my butt. I've struggled to hit paces. While that may not sound hot to some parts of the country, this upstate NY girl hasn't had summers quite like this before.
So when temps were a TAD cooler last weekend I watched my 5k time drop by 30 seconds in less than a week on what I would consider a harder course. I also experienced better pacing on a long run the following day. These things have shown me that my training IS doing something... Even if I can't see it because I'm drowning in sweat.
I will say I have been mental lately, too, in my head and doubting myself. But last weekend has helped with that too. I'm seeing that all this work isn't just for nothing, that I can still run decently and I just need to trust my ability.
I have started hitting the treadmill more
In the last week or two as well. It's come to struggling in the heat outside, or running where it's a little cooler and actually hitting paces I want, like a tempo run I moved to inside and hit and maintained paces I haven't run in awhile. I know some people claim treadmills are easier and what not, but I put the incline up to 1.5-2% and enjoy the ability to practice pacing. I usually have good success translating treadmill training to outdoor racing.
This weekend was supposed to be two big races for me. Originally a cold front was supposed to go through, but the forecast seems to have changed and they are calling for warmer temps and rain (perfect timing since we are in a drought) for both races I'm doing. We will see how these races go!
This summer girl is ALMOST looking forward to the fall to see what cooler temps will do to my race times, but I'm not quite ready for that yet!
