the long run

A strange thing happens when you set out for a long run. Last year as I was training for my first half, I was more focused on worrying that I'd ever be able to finish a long run. This year, I entered training knowing that I can run the distance. I had a rough patch in August and was on the verge of giving up, but the past few weeks, I've reinvigorated my training. It's on these past few runs I've finally truly noticed the phases of a long run. 

What would typically constitute a regular run is now your warm up. Those first two miles feel awkward, but you take it slow. But there is a distinct moment when its no longer awkward. Your pace picks up. Maybe it's because that perfect song came in on the rotation of your playlist. Maybe its because you're just about to pass another runner or a walker (that's all I seem to be able to pass are the walkers). Either way, your focus shifts, your head is held a little higher. Determination is written all over your face. Your warm up is over and now you're in it for the long haul. 

The next several miles after that are a rotation of struggle and ease, but overall, you've found your stride. Your pace levels off as well. These are the glorious miles. This is when I feel the zen of running. I feel the joy as push myself up and down the hills. I become one with my world around me. I still fight off the desire to walk, to stop and give up but each time I fight it, I feel stronger.

But the joy  fades once I exit my "comfort zone". For me, this is around 7 or 8 miles. The voices telling me to stop increase.  I can feel my muscles screaming at me that they're done. They threaten mutiny. Each hill becomes a formidable foe. i'm no longer on the offense. But that is the point of the long run, to push you from your comfort zone. Its not about being able to run those miles quickly, its just about being able to do them. Its about seeing that comfort zone stretch from 3 miles to 6 and then to 8 and eventually 10+. 

Running can teach me more about patience and life than any book. Running is my proof that I'm capable of more than I think. Its a lesson in trusting the process. Running is cheaper than any therapist.  I'm at my best when I pay attention. 

I only have 2 weeks of long runs left. I'm aiming for 10 next weekend and 11.5 the weekend after that. Then I taper in the 2 weeks leading up to the run.