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Monday, September 12, 2011

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spartan Shape-Up, Day 54:

Well, folks, I don't know if it was the 3 day break from training, or the fact that my 'evening' run turned into a 'dark' run, or what... but DAMN if I wasn't on fire today. I believe that deserves a big, damn enthusiastic "AROO!" in true Spartan style.

I was a little apprehensive about heading out this evening, as I hadn't really done anything 'healthy' in 3 days (After a weekend of a fabulous wedding, I was sure I was fueled on cake, and sweating beer.). Added to which, I had a little bit of a calf cramp (from not paying attention to getting my potassium/electrolytes), and have been struggling the last few runs. It felt like my body was plateauing, straight into a solid brick wall, the last 2-3 runs.

HOWEVER. I am happy to report that I was a complete BEAST tonight. I kept finding myself running at a good clip, and having to remind myself to pace myself a bit, so that I'd have enough gas to get to the end of my run... only, I never seemed to need to make that push. I ran at a steady good clip, stopped to walk only briefly to tie my shoe, and felt *strong*. Like, I was breathing well, my muscles didn't feel crampy or tight, or anything like that, nothing was burning, the stars had aligned, and I was running.

AND......

....*gasp*....

HAVING FUN.

Yep. You read that right. I actually was having a good time. While that could partially be attributed to the fact that I didn't feel like I was struggling every single step, it could also be because I think I finally got it. THIS is what it feels like when you can just truck along, and get the job done, and not feel like you're dying, or struggling, or whatever. I think my body actually got with the program. As anyone that knows me (or has been following this blog...) knows, I have not historically enjoyed running. I have been trying to learn to appreciate it, for the sake of my training, but I have not, to this point enjoyed it in and of itself.
Again, I think this is where I pause and note that my TG was completely right. As usual. (God, I hate admitting that. lol.) While I've always maintained that I enjoyed lifting heavy stuff, would prefer to label myself more along the lines of a strength athlete, he told me I had to run. And that I'd like it, eventually, if I just gave it a fair shake. TG: 252, Aja: 0

Anyway, here's today's Run:

Time: 35 min.
Distance: 3.15 mi.
Average min/mi: 11.11

Another thing that made me pretty excited about this run, was that I totally could've kept going. I was actually going faster toward the end of my run, than at the beginning (gotta love Runkeeper for keeping tabs of that stuff!). Unfortunately, not anticipated my body suddenly morphing into a running machine, I had looped back around to my doorstep, and it was dark. SO, I thought it probably smart to call it a day. But I totally could've kept going. AND, I even started my run the same way that I have been struggling with - straight up the hills.

EEE! Yep. Excited about this today. Maybe I've finally broken through a fitness plateau! Perhaps this is the reward for just sticking out the difficult times....? Anyway, that was definitely the WOD I needed to re-energize me.

Incidentally, I think that also means that I ran a 5K tonight, in a respectable time. Not too shabby for someone who had never run a solid mile in her life, 8 weeks ago.

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