Greetings, Tribe!
I cannot believe it’s been two weeks since my last post! Life has been a whirlwind and is just settling back down.
Last Sunday (July 15) was my first long run since my flu that I didn’t split into two. I also decided to run after a full day working at our local running store and in high 80 degree weather. I packed my hydration vest full of ice cubes and water and headed down a new path. I wanted to see how far I could go down the Canal Towpath in Indianapolis. In the past I’ve done short runs on the Towpath, but never the whole thing! After avoiding gaggles of geese, I made it about 2/3 of the way from the beginning of the path, but construction halted my attempt to run the entire trail. Turning around to face the geese again (seriously, they’re so scary! Trying to not get attacked is a strategy I work on during every run!!), I decided to finish my run on the Monon. I’m not sure if i wasn’t sufficiently hydrated, or just tired after a long day, but at mile 10 I sat down and texted Adam. “I’m at mile 10 and I can’t make it all of the way to mile 14. Help!!” His reply: “Work in this heat so the Chicago heat is no worries!” Then he followed up with “Is that the help, you wanted? Or did you want a ride?” and “Also, I’m pretty sure you’re tired of sucking in races, so the work in adversity is what makes you better!” He totally gets me. I finished my run. It wasn’t pretty, but I got her done.
By the end of the long run my toes were hurting (my big toe, at the joint). I’m pretty sure my Mizuno Inspires are the perfect shoe for shorter runs, but maybe not for the higher mileage runs. Just not enough cushion. Oy.
Wednesday I found myself still incredibly tight. Not sore, but tight. Luckily my friend Bryce informed me that as a Butler University employee I can take a yoga class for free! We went together Wednesday night and were surprised to be joined by the entire Butler University football team. It was a quick, 45minute class, but did the trick in loosening me up. Definitely going to work in a yoga class into my weekly routine!
With Strings Camp (of which I’m director, so added responsibilities) being over now, I can focus on preparing for the fall and tweaking my training accordingly. I love the beginning of new semesters as they provide a clean slate. I have some ideas for adjusting my training, but more on that next time.
Happy trails, friends!
In Search of My Running Tribe 