March 30, 2012

Sometimes, Running is Hard.

30 comments

Morning!

Today was one of those days when running was hard. Getting myself out the door was hard, and actually running felt hard, too. But I did it!

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As you guys know from my little “upcoming races” feature on the sidebar, I’m running the Tarheel 10 Miler on April 21 — in 3 weeks. Normally, after a half marathon (I just ran the Tobacco Road Half Marathon two weeks ago), I let my mileage drop, but this time I’m trying to keep getting in some longer-ish runs so that I’m prepared for the 10 miler.

My plan was a 6 or 7 miler this weekend (which I had to do today since Matt and I are headed to DC super early tomorrow morning for our friend’s wedding), a 9 or 10 miler next weekend, and then another 6 or 7 miler the weekend before the race.

Even though I wasn’t feeling the running this morning (you guys know I prefer runs with friends to make it into a social outing, but unfortunately no one could join me today), it was a GORGEOUS morning for a run.

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When I headed out the door around 7:45 a.m. it was a beautiful and crisp 50 degrees, nice and sunny, and very low humidity. Everything felt very fresh since it rained last night.

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I tried to focus on enjoying the scenery and the temperature instead of the fact that my legs were tired. 🙂 It worked, for the most part!

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I ran a VERY hilly route this morning, so I focused on keeping a casual pace and getting in the miles vs. working on speed.

Splits:

  • Mile 1: 9:12
  • Mile 2: 9:23
  • Mile 3: 9:18
  • Mile 4: 9:44
  • Mile 5: 9:43
  • Mile 6: 9:07

Whew! Total time: 56:31. Average pace: 9:25. I was proud of myself for pushing through on all those hills! I wore my CamelBak (I have the 1.5 L Hydrobak) for the run, and I was really glad I did — I got thirsty out there and the route I did has no water fountains. I’ve also figured out how to push all the air out of my CamelBak before I close it so it doesn’t make sloshing noises!

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I have a busy day ahead — I’m meeting up with a classmate shortly to get some serious biochem studying done (we have an exam next week), working on assignments for the rest of the day, and then packing up for DC! Matt and I leave at 6 a.m. tomorrow so we can get there in time to see another apartment we’re interested in. Yep, we still don’t have a place to live yet. Sigh.

Happy Friday!

- anne

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30 comments
  • That is a BEAUTIFUL run! Love the pics! Great job pushing yourself!
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  • Good job! Also, why are Chapel Hill and NYC so far from each other? I would have run with you this am.
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    • Aw, that would have been awesome!
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  • I need to figure out how to push their air out of my camelbak! I had serious issues on my last long run, whenever I tried to drink I was getting air and not water!
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  • Ohhhh that scenery looks beautiful :) I would love to run that route. I think having beautiful weather makes all the difference in increasing motivation!
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  • What do you do to get the air out? I hate hearing that sloshing noise, especially since I've stopped running with music lately.
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    • I lie it on the counter once the water is in but before I’ve sealed it up, put the cap on but don’t twist it, and then just smoosh it down so the air comes out and twist the cap on. Just be careful water doesn’t come flowing out, too!
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  • Way to push through, Anne! Unfortunately, most my runs have been like this lately, but I'm always happy I push through. :) Now it's behind you and have the day ahead! Hope it's a good one.
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  • Hi! I just started following your blog - I used to live in Carborro! :) I recognize that trail...so many hills around there! :)
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  • Those kinds of days make me so much more grateful for the days when I am EXCITED to lace up my sneakers! Great job!
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  • Anne could you share your tip on how to get the air out of the CamelBak? I didn't realize that was possible. I'm not crazy about that sloshing feeling. Beautiful scenery for a run.
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    • I basically just lie it on the counter once the water is in but before I've sealed it up, put the cap on but don't twist it, and then just smoosh it down so the air comes out. Just be careful water doesn't come flowing out, too!
      Reply
    • I basically just lie it on the counter once the water is in but before I’ve sealed it up, put the cap on but don’t twist it, and then just smoosh it down so the air comes out. Just be careful water doesn’t come flowing out, too!
      Reply
  • I have to say it's kind of refreshing to see a very active person struggle with exercise and getting started sometimes too. As a person on the opposite end of the spectrum, currently every work out is hard and I struggle.
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    • It gets easier, I promise, but some days you just aren't feeling it - that's true for everyone! Mental attitude will help a TON with this, though, too - that's why I almost always do my runs with other people, because then it becomes fun (and also non-negotiable!).
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    • You should try to find something youre interested in as well! I would define myself as a runner but recently injured my foot, so the past 2 weeks I have only been swimming. I LOVE swimming now. I actually look forward to it (which most of the time, I did not look forward to runs!) I bet there is something out there you can find! (yoga, body pump, swimming, biking, running, hiking..so many to choose from!!).
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  • Do you notice any chafing with the Camelbak? I've been needing water like crazy in the middle of my runs, but the water "belts" drive me bonkers. I need something new...
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    • Nope! I love it. I tried water belts a long time ago and hated them - so bouncy. Give the CamelBak a try!
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  • I had a hard day getting started Thursday, and after my 5 mile walk, I actually hurt, the back of my thighs. They were really tight and I was uncomfortable in my lower back.I never take naps b/c I don't have time. But when I got home I flopped on the sofa, shut my eyes and woke up 2 hours later. I was fine today. The scenery is beautiful and good luck tomorrow with the apartment hunt, make sure it is what you can live with for awhile.
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    • Sounds like your body needed a rest!
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  • I think I recognize that bridge... did you run in/near Southern Village?! If so, those really are some crazy hills!
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    • Yep! So pretty but so, so hilly.
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  • It was a beautiful day out today! I had to enjoy my short, little run indoors today since there wasn't a good place to go running near the hotel I was staying at. I somehow fit 2 miles into my busy day! Do you pack your camara with you while you go running? You are a dedicated blogger! :)
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    • I sometimes bring my point and shoot with me - I put it either in my CamelBak or my SpiBelt, depending!
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  • Your running routes look so beautiful! As much as I love running along the Charles River in Boston, it's a pain just to get there. It kind of disuades me from running in the first place. If I had trails like that near me, I would run so much more! :-)
    Reply