Long Runs

1hr32 – 13km

My last few attempts at long runs have not been the best, last week even my short runs were suffering.  I managed a lousy 5miles kicking and screaming (with many pauses) the week before , then on my Sunday long run I went to one of my favourite places (somewhere  I’d always wanted to run) in an attempt to do a scheduled 8 miles, but only managed a tough 6.5 miles (with many pauses and a few tears).  The week just gone my short runs were better but my confidence wasn’t high for a long run.

A tough 5 miles, but at least I ran a pretty flower.

I perceive long runs to be super important as, you (I) need to know how my body is going to react over a long distance, edging the mileage up slowly definitely helps ease it into it.

So I headed out last night on an attempted long run.  The first 20 minutes my legs were like lead, and my shins ached a little more than normal.  I normally always struggle in the first 20 mins so I try to not give up in the first 20 mins, if I’m still struggling after that I worry.  Thankfully it was much better after 20 mins.  I kept the pace super slow. 

I know I can manage 5 km, but the question is always, at the end of 5 km can I do it all over again?  When I finally looked at my phone, I’d done 6km, and after a brief text message length pause I set off for the second half, and my question was answered, Yes I can do it all over again. In fact the second half of the run was so enjoyable I felt like I was flying.  I made it to an hour 25, and even pushed on another 5 mins to hit the 13km.

Sooooo proud of myself, and now I’ve made it past the half way mark, I feel like this thing is doable.

I’ve also realised that every time I’ve struggled with a run, it’s usually been a super-hot day, here’s hoping the summer will be over soon!