Tuesdays are one of my "workout" runs, either an interval or tempo. Today I wasn't feeling either one. It was a beautiful sunny morning, and yet I couldn't find my typical run spirit. I convinced myself to get out of the car and just. get. moving. Start the warmup and the rest will come, right? A two mile warmup turned into 3.6 miles. My mind continued to make excuses and battle with itself.
Finally, I pushed myself forward into the tempo part of my run. As my legs started to move faster, my mind began to focus on the task at hand. In the next mile, I ran past my Big Girl's school. The kids were outside on recess (and yes, I was the crazy mom doing the wild-wave trying to get my child's attention. I think every kid saw me but my own.) Even with that little escapade, I clocked a 9 minute mile. It felt good. I bunkered down and tacked on three more tempo miles. My goal was to get them all under a 9 minute pace. And I did... 8:50, 8:50, 8:52.
As I jogged another 1.1 miles back to my car, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I had completely turned my day around. I could have easily skated by with an easy run (or none at all!), but instead I got it done. These little personal victories in training add up on race day... and spell out P.R.
Total: 8.6 miles in 1:22 (9:34 pace)
I posted this quote on Facebook over the weekend...
"Enjoy every mile. There’s not a lot of fun getting from point a to point b as fast as you can.”
~Jeff Galloway
Most of you agreed with Galloway's quote. However, I have to respectfully disagree. I love the feeling of running fast. It makes my blood rush and the endorphins fly. Competitive in nature, I get great personal pride when my times get faster and I knock out an old PR. Yes, I enjoy an easy run in a pretty setting, but 80% of the time, I'd rather run fast and sweat my butt off - especially in a race situation.
... which ironically brings me to my latest news. I just registered for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon on November 10. I really debated this race after reading reviews on runDisney events. It won't be a PR, possibly even my worst time ever if I take part in all the photos and fun on the run. I definitely need to approach this "race" a little different than the others.
What do you think?
Run fast = Run happy
Run fast -or- Run happy
Run fast -or- Run happy.
ReplyDeleteAlthought I do get eleated when I run 'my' version of fast!
Awesome run! That Disney half sound like so much fun! I think the Galloway quote is different for each run. Sometimes I run fast and I feel great, but other times running fast feels like torture. I look forward to running fast and happy!
ReplyDeleteSometimes running fast = happy. I guess it all depends on the day LOL. Of course, when you're doing scheduled tempos or speedwork, then it's a little less happy than if you had just gotten out there and had some pep in your step for the day ;-)
ReplyDeleteLove reading your blog. I just signed up for the Jelly Bean and ordered my shirt! When I run my version of fast I feel happy too :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Heather - I think it depends on the day. Sometimes I hate how I feel out there - especially when I'm mentally struggling (in the middle of the run) with what type of run I want it to be. Easy, tempo.....some days I just can't decide until my feet hit the ground.
ReplyDeleteI like both too, but I especially love to run fast when there is a timing chip involved! Disney would be a good one to just run happily. I also think it would be fun to one day run a race with a friend for fun. Even when I run a race with friends now, I'm still in it for the time. Maybe with time, I'll get over that.
ReplyDeletei think it depends on the run!! i love that passion quote...beautifully said! oh yay for the wine and dine RunDisney! sounds fun and although it won't be a PR, it'll still be a race that you'll never forget!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat run! And I love that I'm not the only crazy mum out there...my 13 year old particularly enjoyed that I ran by his school bus TWICE this afternoon in a tank top and tutu skirt! He just shook his head , smiled as he walked past me and said 'have a good run' . I like the quote. I really just love the run :)
ReplyDeleteI registered for the Wine and Dine! http://slowandsteadywin.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGreat run Jess! I'm just happy to be running but a PR is nice!
ReplyDeleteI ran the inaugural Wine & Dine and had a lot of fun. But then I always enjoy Disney races. I think in that instance you'll be able to run happy even though you may not be running fast.
ReplyDeleteI think run fast = run happy AFTER the run. But when I truly run fast I'm not happy, there's no smile on my face, I'm working hard. So for me ultimately it's run fast OR run happy.
Run fast = run happy! Nice run today Jess!
ReplyDeleteWay to go! I know that feeling. I think it builds trust. Trust in ourselves, that when we need to, we will get it done. High five!
ReplyDeleteSo happy you signed up for that race!! You will have the best time EVER!! Costume ideas already?!?! :-)
ReplyDeleteI should have done this yesterday... im still in a funk! Running fast makes me happy :)
ReplyDeleterunning (fast or slow) makes me happy! yay!
ReplyDeletejust stopping by to say hello and to thank you for signing up for the Shake your Shamrock virtual race. Its going to be a fun one!
have a great day!
i guess i feel like somedays i have fun running fast and feeling that wow I did it...other days I have a lot of fun going slow noticing the world around me and just relaxing
ReplyDeleteway to go on getting it done!!
funny, i just did a post on running slow :-) i think it can go both ways. i am certainly happy when i push myself and run fast, but perhaps it is more enjoyable to run slow. i am happy when i run in general i guess!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog recently and love it! I just ran the Disney Princess Half and I was pleasantly surprised that I could run fast and happy there! I was really worried about being able to hit my goal after reading about the experiences of others. That wasn't the case and I was able to RUN FAST and have an absolute blast. Since it was such a great time, I am thinking of running the Wine and Dine too! Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteLisa @ Lisa Runs for Cupcakes
awesome to hear! Thanks!
DeleteNicely done, Jess. Way to work through the distractions and accomplish your run!
ReplyDeleteRunning fast makes me happy, but that's not the only way running can make me happy. Having a good time with a friend or running in beautiful scenery is just as good!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jess! I'm a "Run Happy" voter, although I truthfully WISH I could be the other way around, and am actually quite jealous of your "Run Fast" euphoria. But, some of us have physical limitations, so we HAVE to be satisfied with the "Run Happy" philosophy. (Mine is a defective heart valve...cardiologist says I can run all I want, just not to the point of chest pain, which equates to--bummer--speed.) But just reading your blog is going to get me away from my desk for a few minutes to go enjoy the sunshine and singing birds! Give that old heart valve a workout! Thank you for your always uplifting attitude!
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