Monday started with a rest day. Yes, I pouted. But, it was probably a good day to rest.
Tuesday, I was supposed to go 3.75. I went 3.5 - but I ended up walking half of it. It was so hot out. I passed a teammate going the opposite way a couple of times, and she finally stopped me and said "let's walk a lap or two." So we did. It was great chatting the miles away, but I knew I really needed to be running it. My body was just not having it.
Wednesday was an optional up to 30 minute run. Well, it was Wednesday, so obviously I was going to the group run. 2.57 mile complete. It was much easier than Tuesday but still really hot and miserable.
Thursday, I was supposed to go 3.75 again. Again, it just wasn't happening. 2 miles in, I was done. It was brutally hot. So, I decided to go do a mile in the pool instead. I was hurting. I felt like I had hyperextended my knee at some point, either Wednesday after group run or sometime during the day Thursday at work. It hurt to run. It hurt to swim. I was starting to worry about the long run on Saturday.
Thankfully Friday was a rest day. I did a lot of stretching and pampering my legs during the day. Plus, it was the last day of work!! Summer... here I come!!
Saturday started way too early. I drove the hour and fifteen minutes to Cades Cove. I was really apprehensive on the way there. By the time I got into the National Park, I had calmed and was just loving the cooler temps and beautiful scenery. Parking was nearly impossible. Once everyone found a parking spot we all met at the campground store area. Sean introduced the college runners to each other and to me, and then they set off to run together, while Sean and I took a slower pace. It took me a few minutes to actually start the run. I was scared and stalling. But once we started, I felt great.
Running in Cades Cove in an experience every runner should have at least once in their lifetime. The hills can be tough, but it is just absolutely beautiful. It is always the perfect warm-up for Tahoe. We talked and ran, enjoyed the surroundings, and just kept chipping away at the miles. We did see some bear, several deer and tons of turkeys. Lots and lots of bicyclists passed us, most with encouragement or at least a good morning. The morning was just filled with nice people, laughs, and some great conversation. Getting 11 miles in was just the icing on the cake. There was some pain and a lot of walking, but it was a decent 11 miles. It was much slower than I plan to go in Tahoe, but was what I needed for today.
Saturday night I went out and walked almost 2 miles in the neighborhood. I was feeling okay. I could tell I had run 11, but nothing really hurt.
Sunday morning I was exhausted, but I managed to go run 1 mile in 12:13. Everything felt fine, I was just so tired. This led to Monday being declared a rest day. But - I had managed to rack in 20 miles on a really tough, hot week.
There were a lot of motivating factors this week. My life outside of running was dealt a few blows in the past two weeks. But all it has done is add fuel to the fire. My desire to run Tahoe and do it well just keeps intensifying. When we talk about Tahoe goals, it was, from day 1, just to finish. But now, that's not enough for me. I don't want to just finish. I already know I can do that. I want to do more than finish. I want to finish well - for me. Realistically, we're talking about a finish less than 3 hours. Ideally - we're talking 2:45. Slow by most any standard. But - for me - being able to come back a year and seven months since almost dying after a half-marathon, and be able to run one in less than 3 hours -- that's a pretty big feat. Especially when I'll have only been running again for 5 1/2 months. Now - my heart wants even more than that. I would absolutely love for everything to be perfect on race day, and be able to hit a 2:30. I've kind of broken it down like this:
2:30 or better - absolute ecstasy
2:30-2:45 - very, very happy and super-excited
2:45-2:55 - happy and satisfied
less than 3 hours - we're good
finish - okay - it's enough - for now
I know my coach has a very different breakdown for it. But, this is where my head and heart are right now.
Looking ahead - because it's the ongoing question of "then what?" -
June 22 - If I survive Tahoe and the travel to & from - possibly the Rescue Run here in Knoxville
July 3 - Pilot Fireball Moonlight Classic 5K; Neyland Drive in Knoxville
July 13 - Crazy 8s - Totally Crazy 3K & 8K - most of my team just doing the 8K, but hey - totally crazy fits me; this one is in Kingsport, TN
August 24 - Rebel Run in Maryville - 10K - really excited about this one; trying for a PR in the 10K
October 12 - Salem 8K in my hometown
first weekend in November - Oak Ridge Fall Classic 5K ??
April 18, 2020 - Anthem Star 10K in Roanoke, VA
I'm sure other 5Ks and possibly another 10K or 2 will be added in here. But - no - as of right now, I do not see another half-marathon in my future. I just don't have the desire, drive or motivation to do any other half. If I ever do another half - it will likely be the Rock Tahoe half again. Maybe next time I can drag more of you there with me!!
And, speaking of which, this is the FINAL call for registration for Rock Tahoe. There are only a few spots left. Come run an epic, almost entirely downhill half-marathon with us, and stay for the week for vacation fun. It's going to be awesome. There is still room in our team house. You just need to register and show up.
Register here:
https://raceroster.com/18627?aff=VHG6V
Get this medal:
And get this shirt:
JOIN US!!!!
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