Last week...

... has got to be one of my most disappointing weeks of training ever. 41 miles. I was at 70 consistently all summer, most weeks not even running 7 days a week. How in the world do I go from easily logging 3 consecutive days of 12 miles to struggling with running period? Where has the great base I put under me gone? Where is the feeling good and rested I had at the start of my season? Destroy all self-doubt, that is my new motto, but right now, in this moment, my self-doubt is kicking my ass. Time to reevaluate things again...

Whoa, whoa, whoa...

What happened? I thought I was back to being able to deal with this climate? What happened to Monday's run when I felt like the old me? Or Wednesday when, despite feeling like crap, I was able to complete my run and do it fast? Or Thursday when I negative split the last 2-mile interval in scorching heat? Why could I not go more than 5-miles yesterday slower than molasses? This isn't how this is supposed to work. It's supposed to be different this time around. What am I supposed to do when my body can't handle this? I know I've been pushing my body, but I've been resting and eating well. We had a day of complete rest Friday. I shouldn't be feeling like this. I guess all I can do is some strides then hit the bike....

Ahh, Monday...

Monday. Most people's least favorite day of the week. The end of the weekend, the beginning of the school/work week. And for me, it also meant 3:30pm practice. Now, you might be thinking, "3:30pm practices? No big deal." Well my friend, let me enlighten you as to why this is a big deal. As you may know, I go to school and run in southern North Carolina, and 3:30pm in late August means one thing and one thing only: mid-90's and more humidity than your mind can comprehend. When you step outside, you begin to steam like the vegetables in the cafeteria for dinner. For every drop of sweat you'd lose in normal conditions, you lose a gallon here (okay, that might be a bit exaggerated, but you get my point). And so, at 3:15 I stepped out of my dorm and headed over to the track. I felt the sun instantly and was already dreaming about finding AC again. We warmed up with 2 miles on the track and drills. Never before in my life had a warm-up left me feeling so beat. The plan for the rest of the day? 8 miles to meet my average daily miles of 10. And so we ran. And I felt the heat and humidity. I thought it would never let up. But then, out of nowhere, I didn't notice it. I was locked into my run and feeling great. Sure, it was still hot as hell and I was sweating like crazy, but I wasn't fazed. At the end of the 8th mile it began to rain and I felt even more rejuvenated. We dropped the pace again and it didn't bother me. When we ended, we had clocked a 64 minute 10-miler. Then it hit me. No, I wasn't used to this weather yet, no one ever gets used to it. I had simply gotten my body to the point where I can push through it. After a very good strength training session, I had an endorphin high like none other. It's time. I'm ready for this season. Less than 2 weeks to go until our first race. NOB.

Also, I got new flats today! :)

Perseverance.

Patience. Good things come to those who wait. You know what though? I'm sick of waiting. For the past 4 years that I have been a serious running, I've been waiting. Waiting for my chance, my breakthrough, my turn to be on top. I've had so many close calls, too many good chances, and they've all fallen apart. I fell too short, wasn't quite there, bit the dust (or bit the track, probably a bit more appropriate if you know my racing history). I've changed my training, my form, my mindset more time than I can even count. I am ready for my shot, the one chance where I'm ready to full take advantage of it. I'm sick of waiting. This is my time. There is no yesterday, no tomorrow, only right now. NOB.

Haven't posted in a while...

Well, I'm back in North Carolina again. I had a great summer of training this year and I feel fit and ready to go. I only have to get used to this heat/humidity again and I will be ready to let loose. I have a feeling this is going to be a BIG year for me. This season could be the turning point in my running career, the year I break out and get an opportunity to take my running to the next level. And the next level is where I need to be. I'm tired of being a nobody. I want my name to be known all over. I want people to get nervous because they see I'm running the same race as them. This is the season to make that happen. Nothing will stop me, I promise.