Monday, August 13, 2012

For the Love of Long Runs..

Anyone that's ever asked me what my favorite part of training is, always gets the same answer: "long runs". I first started incorporating them when training for my first marathon in 2004.Throughout the course of that training cycle, I fell in love with a new "personal distance record" every week. I loved learning how to fuel, learning a new level of mental toughness, and embracing the solitude.

Over the past 8 years, my long runs have become the standard part of every week where I can go and solve the worlds problems. Not to say that I don't love doing these runs with friends; solving the worlds problems can be hilarious when amongst your closest friends for hours on end. Whether alone, or falling in step with a running partner, there is something about a long run that makes you feel so alive. 

I was having an email conversation with a good friend who's running her first marathon (Chicago!) this fall. She's up against her first 18 miler tomorrow, and I had sent her along some encouragement going into the run. Her response was this: "I'm honestly NOT stressed about the run. I am constantly shocked by how much I've been looking forward to the long run days and how well I've felt during them, even. It's just incredible what the body will do if you quiet your mind and just go for it." 

And that couldn't be more true. When I was out awaiting my surgery (and then recovering) it was what I missed the most about running. Even now, a little less than 4 months post-surgery, I get creative with my schedule so I can accomodate a long run. Yes, even if that means having to take the day before and day after off. Very anti my "run-like-hell" strategy, I know. 

Friday was my birthday (what? you did not know this? Gasp!), and I wanted to celebrate my 33rd with a 33km run. Yes, I thought about a 33-miler, but then I also thought about my leg spontaneously combusting. Right, so back to 33km.  I headed out to the trails just as the sun was rising - I brought my GPS boyfriend (we've had a spotty relationship since surgery, as he likes to tell me I'm grossly out of shape), but set the screen to display HR only. I gave myself ample time, so that I knew no matter what, I wasn't going to feel rushed.  I took a deep breath, and headed off into the woods. 

I had one of those runs that just went by too fast. No no no, the RUN wasn't fast, but it felt like it ended too soon. And that's with the 93% humidity (nope, not a typo) soaking every piece of fabric, every strand of hair, and what felt like every part of my skin. Yet I didn't really notice; I was busy bounding rocks, and dodging trees. Dancing around sticks, and over bridges, I'm pretty sure I was the happiest girl around. 

And when it was over, I just smiled. Not once over the course of those hours was I tempted to look at my pace; I didn't care. When I got annoyed with the 8 million deer flies, or had a moment of "I'm tired", I just let myself have the moment, and then moved on.

When I thought about my run on the drive home, I started to panic that I've lost my competitiveness. Things such as "why the hell didn't I care about pace", and "I can't believe I didn't think about throwing in a few miles at marathon pace" start creeping into my mind. And almost instantly, I shut it down. There will be a time and place over the next 12 months for track work, tempo runs, and running at "oh my God I'm going to vomit on myself" pace.  

Until that time comes, I'm going to enjoy exactly what I'm doing: running. And especially these long runs. 

Happy Training! 

View from the early miles.. How can you not love doing this??


13 comments:

  1. I LOVE where you're head is at right now my friend. You are BACK in your element and are falling even more in love with running than ever. And NOT because you are running faster, pushing harder, training like a crazy person, but because you are running for YOU, running to challenge yourself (of course) but ultimately you're running for you, and because you love it more than anyone I know. I will be harnessing YOUR words from this very post tomorrow morning as I head out with Scott to hit 18 miles. And hit it we will, I have NO DOUBT about it. I heart you -- your email today came at just the right time. xoxo

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    1. Thanks Jess.. I am falling back in love w/ running and it feels good :) I'm so so so proud of you, completing EIGHTEEN miles! Weeeeeeeeeeee!

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  2. I love this so much too! I love your passion for long runs, I wish I had it...but what I love most about your passion for it is that it truly IS passion. It's not forced, it's not even competitiveness. You truly love it. I am proud of you dear, and let me also say, I love your advice to Jess and anyone going into training or even just ways to get out of the mental game (cough, cough...). You are the best. XO

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    1. Nope, definitely not forced - I don't do things I don't want to do :) Thank you so much, and I can't wait to see you soon! xo!

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  3. You sound so happy in this post. Glad to see that you are getting back into things and enjoying your running again.

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  4. It's the trails. They are magical. I believe it's only a connection you get with yourself when you're out on your own, no cars, no sounds other than the wind in the trees and the scattering of the animals. It allows you to find yourself. Your passion and who you are inside.
    This is why you're going to be a fantastic ultra runner. You connect with the trail and it pulls at you to run farther and farther. The majority of us run ultras not because we'll ever compete or because we're trying desperately to PR or shave 2 minutes off the last run. We run ultras because we love to run.
    I am so excited to see the report after the 50. I know the hundo won't be far behind. Keep running Meaghan. :)

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    1. Thanks D.. You're right - it's just so different than road running..Thanks for all the kind words, I really appreciate it!

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  5. I can really relate to this post. Since I resigned myself to my back issue, I've just been grateful to be running at all (and I'm nowhere near being able to do 33K at ANY pace, so wow! I'd say you're still competitive). I'm in a very happy place with my running, even though I'm super slow. I can't say what's going to happen with my fall races, but at this point I'm just enjoying the comeback so much I (almost) don't care.

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    1. Thanks so much T!!! I'm part of the super slow club too - it's one of those "be thankful you can get out there, and put one foot in front of the other" things.. Hang in there sister!

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  6. I feel like I could have written this! Totally relate to it. I love the long runs and pace is so not important to me when I'm out there. Just love being in the moment of it and then the lovely feeling after you've done it. Keep it up!

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    1. I love that I'm not the only one that feels that I can not worry about pace sometimes, and still be competitive.. Thank you so much!!!

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  7. Agree with everything here. Long runs are the best, and I cant think of a better way to celebrate a birthday. Happy belated!

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