LOVE/hate.
Have you ever seen the LOVE/hate. New Balance ad? It’s about the LOVE/hate relationship runners have with running. And let me tell you…what a love/hate relationship I’ve had lately with running. The heat that we’ve been having recently has been a killer, in addition to the fact that I’m getting back into running after taking about two months off due to my post-Boston Marathon injuries.
I started running again about a month ago, and it was like my legs didn’t quite know what to do! I’ve been running since I was about thirteen years old (junior high cross country!), so my legs clearly had an idea about what is coming. It almost felt like I’d never ran before, which gave me a little bit of a new respect for people who are trying to get into running. Not a comfortable feeling by any means! That being said, the old running thrills came back quickly.
While I was busy highlighting my recent surf vacation in Costa Rica (go check out all the recaps!), I was also busy running in this monster heat wave we’ve been having on the east coast. Due to my inability to wake up at 6am to run, most of these runs were actually run in the 90+ degree heat. I don’t know how you Southerners do it…it’s brutal! Let’s just say I’m not even going to recap most of the runs since they were pretty generic hot, hot runs.
hate.
Wednesday, however, took the cake. While the stats were nothing terrible (4.03 miles in 33:14, avg pace of 8:15), the run was MISERABLE. I’d go as far as to say it was one of the worst runs I’ve ever had…it felt terrible, I sat on the side of the road in a little bit of shade, and I couldn’t believe I had to run two more miles to get home. Two more miles felt like an eternity…I hated running. However, like any seasoned runner, I knew that this was just another run and the next day could be totally different.
LOVE
This past weekend, I was supposed to run 12 miles, which sadly is a long distance for me these days since I haven’t been running too far as I try to ease myself back into longer runs. Saturday was going to be the big day, but the heat index was well over 100, and I knew better than to tempt fate with the crazy heat. I pushed the run off until Sunday. Welllll, I ended up going out Saturday night (I know, crazy, right?), so Sunday wasn’t going to be the best day either, and it was another toasty day. However, it stormed here Sunday evening, which cooled us off dramatically, setting up Monday to be a lovely day for a long run.
Making myself get up early (we’re talking 8:30 here…whoa!), I was out the door by 9am in the cool 72 degree weather. It was magical! It was still a sweaty, sweaty day, but the run felt AMAZING. That’s a bit of a lie…the first three miles weren’t my favorite, but I loosened up a little and the rest of the run felt like nothing. I’ve been missing those days when I felt like I could run forever and the miles just click by. Compliments of the lower temperatures, Monday was that day. I looooooved running!
Monday, July 26
12.19 miles in 1:36:52, avg pace of 7:57
Splits for my last two miles? 7:37 for both…love it! I’ve missed long runs and I’m glad that I successfully got through one…although there are many longer runs to come.
double love
Seven miles were run this morning in the heat…and let’s just say a very attractive man was out working on the trail. Annnnnd he smiled at me as I said hi…TWICE. Talk about motivation, haha.
Tuesday, July 27
7.06 miles in 55:48, avg pace of 7:54
How’s your relationship with running? LOVE/hate? More love? More hate?
I “like” the way running makes me feel once it’s over and done, and when i am really pushing myself and break a goal, then i “like” it, too, BUT there is more hate. I think it stems from the fact that i just started to run and it’s hottttttttt. Once the fall rolls around, perhaps I will like it a little more?
Hey Susan! I hear ya on the heat…it is brutal! Good thing this week cooled off. I did my first “long run” of 10 miles this past Saturday…was very very hot! I have a question about pacing on long runs. In the past I always held a pretty decent pace for my long runs however I’ve been trying to focus on slowing down…about 50-60 seconds slower than goal marathon pace. What is your view on this? Do you ever slow down for your long runs? Just thought I’d try to get another runners perspective!! What are your running plans for the fall??
I’m a bit like you. I haven’t raced since Boston too, except my Boston was 3 years ago. Love/hate is a great way of stating it and it’s that way whether healthy or injured. When running well, I can remember those workouts where you swear you’ll never do another one, and suddenly, and we runners all know the feeling, you feel great. The legs feel light and you’re running on air. Being injured, I just feel so grateful just to get out the door. Screw the heat, screw the cold, just dang happy to be able to shuffle down the street. Take care and enjoy the ride whether bumpy or smooth.
Dean
I’m so happy the heat left for your 12-miler!
I am getting back in to running after my stress fractures, and it has been a struggle. I don’t hate it though. I am just sad because I remember how easy and fun it used to be. I want it to be like that again.
I always, always, ALWAYS hate running during mile 3 of any race I run. I swear of running forever at that point each and every time!
More like hate in the summer…humidity and I aren’t friends! But it’s definitely love in the winter!
HATE summer running!
LOVE the sunrise when I can get up early enough!
Glad to hear you’re back at it Susan! I’m sure the running missed you as much as you missed it!
Running 7:57 pace over 12 miles is the easy pace of a 3:10 Marathon runner. It would be interesting to see what her heart rate was over the course of the run. Hal Higdon is very particular about having your longs runs done at an easy pace and then having separate runs for MP.
“Remember: the pace should be “conversational,” meaning that if you are running with a friend, the two of you should be able to talk without undue strain. If you are wearing a heart monitor, your pulse rate should fall in the zone of 65 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate. At the end of your workout, listen to your body. How did it feel? Legs tired? Out of breath? Some fatigue is normal, but you don’t want to finish exhausted, otherwise you are training too hard. “