Pushed Beyond My Limits

What a wacky week this is for 1/2 Marathon training! For the 2nd week in a row I had to alter my training; switching my long run day (Saturday) to my short run day (Thursday). Last week it was so I could avoid the snow/cold and keep it outdoors, this week its because I'm subbing for a gal at the gym and teaching her 60 minute RPM class. I'm 4 weeks into my training and I'm loving the flexibility of my training schedule so I was ready to take on my 10 mile run today. And then it happened...the phone rang, today's RPM instructor had a sick child and needed me to help her out. I wanted to say no because RPM is pretty intense to begin with and doing that after a 10 mile run, I just didn't know if I could do it. But you never know your limits until you push them. Last year during training I didn't think I would be able to teach RPM the DAY AFTER my long runs but for 12 weeks I stood strong and didn't miss one single class. So I said I would help!

The long run today was pretty good, I had a great little route (see picture) with some minor hills, I decided to keep my pace a little slower than normal because I knew I had to teach after. About 1/2 my run was into the wind, which sucked big time but also at the same time the breeze kept me from over heating I think I may have dressed a little too warm today. With each run I learn a few new things, I'm still trying to tweak the clothing. Today I learned I need to stash a water bottle somewhere after mile 7. I completed 10 miles in 1:35:47 with an average pace of 9:33. I need to shed 30 seconds off my mile but I got time and I did go slower intentionally today. After the run it was a quick change into something dry, water, Gatorade and off the the Riverplex. Also for RPM I had to tone it down, but not much. I think riding after the run actually helped me some by flushing out my legs. I feel great, a little tired but mostly I'm just glad that I tested the water because now I know I can long run and rpm back to back and not dog it too much. After class, more water, power bar, banana and a large dunkin donuts coffee and I'm ready to play radio.

Quote of the run: "God I ****ing hate the wind!" which was shouted a time or two or five
Lesson learned: You never know your limits until you push beyond them!

PS: I'm so in love with the new Garmin Forerunner 110 way better than the Nike+ however I still cant figure out how to get my calories burnt correct because today it said I only burnt 139....for a 10 mile run...whateve more like 1039!