As the summer comes to an end (long live the sunshine!), I find myself reflecting on all the activities, goals, and moments I've had during my favorite season of the year.
My summer kicked off with finishing up my Half Marathon training leading right into the race itself in early June. Then I took a break from the heavy running (my toenails are still bruised and cracked by the way...), and shifting my focus slightly more back to CrossFit and having a healthier balance of activities. The longest run I did all summer was 5-6 miles (that makes me smile now...with the added perspective of 13).
At the end of July, I completed my third Tough Mudder with my team Ridin' Dirty. Earning those different color headbands each year has become addicting, and I can't imagine ever stopping! The course was 10 miles and 20 obstacles. At the same location as previous years, with some different adjustments to the course. Nonetheless a good benchmark to compare back year over year. What a difference! I ran most of the 10 miles (love the trail running parts) and only skipped a few obstacles. I attempted a few difficult obstacles and while I still failed (monkey bars!), I got further along this year. In the past I was broken and sore for days after. This time wasn't as bad besides the normal cuts and bruises. The teamwork within my team and those we encountered along the course reminded me of all those along the journey. Those who run ahead of me, those who run next to me, and those who run behind me. And how I'll continue to be at different stages throughout my life as well. It's not a straight line, but lots of twists and turns, some intentional and some unexpected.
With fall around the corner, I began to pickup my running again with some new goals in September. I'll be running a 10k in early October. I'm currently doing a training plan to get me in better shape to run 6.2 miles again.
- 2x weekly short runs (3 miles)
- 1x weekly non-running, cross-training (CrossFit)
- 1x weekly "long run" (4, 5, progressing to 6 miles)
My last 10k (and my first) was last October with a time of 1:00:04. Originally my goal for this upcoming one was to beat the old time, but the more I thought about it, the courses are not comparable enough. Last year was a night run with headlamps, different terrains and elevations (pavement, grass, dirt), and plenty of space. The upcoming 10k is city streets, very crowded, and I have no idea about elevation levels. I may or may not beat my time.
Lastly, before winter truly sets in. Rob and I are running the official 5k "practice" run the weekend of the NYC Marathon in early November. Actually on our 5th wedding anniversary day (5k + 5 years!) We'll be attending the full marathon the next day to cheer cousins Fred and Kara on! Likely while consuming obscene amounts of alcohol and food (definitely not running 26.2 anytime soon).
