This past week’s workouts were remarkably better than the week before. I think that going into the week with a plan helped tremendously. The only thing I wasn’t sure about was if I was going to sign up for a half-marathon on Saturday. I ended up not doing the race, but doing my own 13.1 mile run kind of unexpectedly.
I used to just go out and do long runs all year round, whether or not I was training for a race. So it’s been weird for me that I haven’t been doing runs longer than 7-8 miles most of this spring/winter (well, since my marathon in November). I think a part of me wondered if I would get back to that or not. Assuming I do another marathon, at that point I will do more long runs of course, but I wondered if I would find myself just heading out for a 2 hour run just because that’s what felt good on that day.
This week, that finally happened. I had structured my week so that my legs were prepared to possibly run in a half-marathon on Saturday (not really “race” it, but run a decent pace) so I think that helped prep me for my long run. However, I didn’t sleep well on Friday night and just ate a 1/2 of a banana and a honey stringer before heading out for my run, without nearly enough water, and had no idea how long I would run for.
I was thinking 11 would be a good progression from the 10 I did two weeks ago, but felt tired starting out. I totally zoned out and barely thought about where I was going. I turned around at 5.5 miles but then took a different way back, which tacked on some extra distance. When you are at 12.5 miles, why not just make it a half-marathon?
So I ran a very comfortable long run, for no purpose other than because it’s what I felt like doing. I had zero interest in pace, no fuel with me, struggled up some huge hills, but finished and felt amazing. (And then later on, really tired and hungry).
It’s strange because I think of myself as a distance runner, but when you stop running long distances, does that change at some point? This run reminded me that my endurance is still there, and I am a distant runner at heart. Who knows if I will continue doing those kinds of long runs (quiet weekends with no plans helps!) but it’s nice to know that I can if I want to.
Now, for a quick recap of the week:
Monday: 6 miles with 6 hill repeats, core and hip exercises
Tuesday: Strength training and 3 easy miles, PM: 20 minutes yoga
Wednesday: 5.4 miles (I think…I stopped my watch accidentally) with 3 miles at 7:45 pace
Thursday: 3.3 easy miles, core and glute exercises
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 13.1 miles
Sunday: 4.2 miles followed by this core workout
Total: 35 miles
Walked: 17 Push-ups: 4 days
Yearly Total: 854/2016
How do you define yourself as a runner (distance or otherwise)?
Have you ever done a long run completely unexpectedly?
[Tweet “What makes you feel like a distance runner? Somtimes you just need a good long run. @runningoutowine #weeklywrap”]
I guess I am a distance runner but I haven’t run a marathon so I am not sure how we define distance runner for me lol. I do like my weekly long run though! it’s so a part of my routine that I feel weird without it. busy weekends definitely can come into play for sure though! I just try to adjust things and run early enough that it doesn’t affect me. if I am away, I try to run it before I leave so I don’t feel too off kilter. ha. and, why is it sooooo cold here this morning? I can’t figure the weather out!
I definitely think of you as a distance runner! You are doing long runs all the time! I have no idea what was going on with the weather this morning…
I don’t plan on bringing back a long run for quite a while but I do still feel like a distance runner because that’s the part of running that I feel most at home with overall. I think even distance runners need breaks! Especially after a few marathon training cycles. Glad you had a great run and week overall!
Yes, I agree! I think its just weird to go for so long without regular long runs.
Great job getting your long run in. It’s always nice how that works unexpectedly. When I plan to do a long run w my friend we always tack on almost another two miles than expected. My friend needs to get a Garmin…..haha. I have not ran in four days bc I have been working twelve hr days and running long before work then standing on my feet all day is not appealing. I plan to make up for it this wk on my days off.
I hope you enjoy some nice runs on your days off this week!
Nice run! When my best running friend lived near by we would always just do long runs for the fun of it. Now that she is gone it’s hard for me to hit the road for long periods of time alone. Way to go!
I’m sure it was tough to go from running with a friend to running alone!
That’s great how your long run turned out to be a half. I look forward to a day where I can go out for a long run and do extra miles! I only ran twice last week, but I’m looking forward to getting back into more of a routine.
You will be back in a routine before you know it! And hopefully spring will decide to make an appearance:)
I think once a distance runner, always a distance runner. My life has been structured like that for so long that even when I’m not doing distance, I still find myself setting up for it!
I think I structure my life around distance running too, even when I’m not training or doing long runs!
You make an excellent point. I still feel like a distance runner, even though my focus hasn’t been there in years. ever since I got into the tri thing. Yeah I ran a marathon last year, but it was definitely an after thought and my training was half-assed. How great you were able to bang it out. Since I’ve cut my long runs way down, I’m reminded often how hard running really is.
I think once we get used to the mindset its tough to break out of it, no matter how long we have been away from the long distance runs!
I definitely still think of you as a distance runner! I think marathon training distorts our perception of what “distance” is but 8 miles is a VERY LONG DISTANCE to most people!
You are right! I think it was just weird to be doing so much less than what I have done in previous years.
I think distance runner defines a person even when they’re not currently running long distances, because there’s such a particular mindset, perseverance, and mental comfort with physical discomfort that a distance runner has. Plus, even 8-10 mile runs like you did were not short runs! It’s funny how marathon training can cause use to pair “just” and “10 miles” together.
You are so right on both points! I definitely think the mindset and perseverance are a huge part of it.
I guess I would define myself as a middle distance runner if I had to put a label on it. I definitely have done unexpected long runs – if I feel good, I’ll keep going. The fireplace looks so cozy!
It’s tough to try to label it, probably because we all go through phases with our running!
I say I’m a runner and don’t really qualify it. When my comeback and such, I don’t know if I want to do a half marathon again, but I still enjoy running and looks for shorter distances right now. Who knows how I’ll feel when I’m finally caught up and balanced on strength.
It’s nice that we can just be runners but go through cycles of different types of training. Keeps things interesting!
When is your weather going to shape UP already?!?! Gah. I saw that half mary you ran on Instagram on Saturday morning. I was halfway done my 10 miler and took a walk break, logged into IG and saw your post. I thought it was so cool that you did that.
I love that you checked IG in the middle of your run! I don’t think I would do that because I would have a tough time getting motivated to start running again.
I think I still always consider myself a distance runner, even though my long runs when I’m not training usually fall in the 8ish range too. I’m actually looking forward to my off-season coming up, and just doing runs at whatever distances/pace I feel like!
I think once we do those longer distances it’s hard to break away from it permanently! Even if we aren’t doing long runs all the time we still have that same mindset.
i think im a distance runner when i can run 6 miles on a weekly basis lol so clearly we have different expectations of that! ummm, what why is the fireplace on! Im over here with 90 degree weather and you’ve got the fireplace on, hello global warming 😉
I have no idea whats going on with our weather! I woke up this morning and it was 38 degrees outside and I had to turn on the heat.
For me, it is those long weekend jaunts that make me feel like a distance runner, even more so than a half marathon (I expect the NYC Marathon to feel differently of course). It’s the knowledge that I am choosing to be out there, running for two hours, because I want to and feel like it. I’m not racing, nobody’s watching, there’s no “point” except the desire to be doing it.
I definitely agree! Its all about making the choice to be out there doing those long runs.
I definitely consider myself a distance runner and even with no marathon coming soon, I enjoy the longer training runs. 5k’s absolutely freak me out because I really hate running fast for that long. Running slow and steady for hours is much more enjoyable.
I have never trained for a 5k because I am way too intimidated by those paces!
That’s a really interesting thought–are you still a distance runner if you don’t do long runs? I’m in a bit of a weird place right now. I *do* want to do two-hour runs just for fun, but my marathon training starts in 6 weeks, so I feel like I should ease off now before training starts. I can’t wait to start those long runs again though!
I think that’s a true sign that you are a distance runner- missing the long runs even though you are only taking a short break from them!
I used to do long runs every weekend whether I was training or not too! After about a year of nothing double digits, I was scared I couldn’t run “far” anymore. It’s such a mental thing though! We can still do it!
It totally is a mental thing! I guess once are bodies get used to it we can get back into it easier than we would expect.
It must have felt good to be able to do those long distances again! You had a great week of working out. I wish I had a Bosu ball to work with!
It definitely felt good to get in a longer distance run!
What an awesome week of runs! Way to go on that long run too! I guess it just goes to show that your body doesn’t follow a plan or a strategy – it follows what feels right!
That’s true! It just felt right so I went with it!
As my kids reminded me a couple of years ago “Dad, 5 miles *IS* a long distance!” And it is true. For the 23 years I ran before 2012, I had run >5 miles *one* time.
Now this morning I had to be in super-early to work and so I “only” ran 7.5 miles instead of my normal 10.5 route. Um, yeah … I have no perspective on distance.
I look at it simply – if you are running for distance and endurance – you’re a distance runner. If you are constantly doing speedwork and so on … you’re a speed runner (I’m not a speed runner).
I think that’s why I was confused over the past few months- I wasn’t running for distance or endurance, just maintaining a base which to me was shorter runs. The only workouts I was doing were speed and tempo. However, I have never “trained” for a 5k and probably never will, so I think overall I leave more towards the side of distance running.
I seem to only do that on the trails. If I am on a fun trail run, I feel like I can go forever. I figure that’s because I don’t worry about pace so the run is always more enjoyable and there’s always so much to see along the way. I question sometimes if I am or am not a distance runner since I never go over 15 miles. After running so many half marathons (39) I still don’t have the urge to try a marathon. Maybe I am a semi-distance runner? I liked this post! Have a great day!
I think if I ran on trails I would be more likely to constantly tack extra distance on to my runs! It sounds like you are definitely a distance runner if you do 15 mile runs!
I think I’m long distance runner, but I haven’t run long in almost a month now. that makes me sad…. this weekend long run for sure!
Great week of work outs!
Thank you! I hope you have a great long run this weekend!
Congratulations on a great week of running and working out! And, super job on the 13.1 miles! I have a hard time even calling myself a “runner” (I say “I run”) so I’m not sure I’d call myself a distance runner either — even though I have run 42 half marathons, but only one full. I think I need therapy. LOL. I do throw in long runs even when I’m not training for anything, I guess for fear I’m going to lose some fitness. I’m sure it’s all in my head. Thanks for linking with us Lisa!
Nice week of running! I always have trouble getting back into a habit of doing long runs after I take a break. I am trying to be more consistent running 1+ hours leading up to my marathon training in July.
It can definitely be tough to get motivated to do a long run when your not training for anything yet. It’s helpful to have a base going into training though, so your plan sounds great!