It's Hot!!

Missouri is in the midst of one of the hottest summers on record.  This week the temps are climbing into the 100's daily.  It's hard to make yourself get out and run, but I have been living up to the challenge of completing my runs.  In all my previous races, I have followed Hal Higdon's training plans.  As I prepare to tackle my first full marathon, I have read both the Hal Higdon Marathon book and Jeff Galloway's book on running a marathon.  Jeff Galloway's plan is a lengthier plan with longer "long" runs.  The plan lasts 6 months leading up to the full.  I am on Week 4 of the plan, and I have completed all of my runs and cross training days so far.  Today we ran a hilly 9 mile run.  The temp was in the 80's already when we started running a little after 7 am.  I am trying out the run/walk plan suggested by Jeff Galloway for the long runs.  In all of my half marathons, I have walked the water stations, and I have had to walk at some point along the run in the later miles.  For the full marathon, I'm hoping that following the run/walk plan will allow me to not "hit the wall" at mile 20 (or earlier). 

Since it was hot and our route was hilly, I used a run 4 minutes/ walk 1 minute approach.  I maintained this pattern for about 4.5 miles when we hit one of the "mega hills" on the run.  I had to add a little extra walking up the hill.  As I continued beyond this hill, there were several other hills on which I had to walk more than I would have liked.  I ended up finishing the 9 miles with an average pace of 11:25.  This is probably the slowest pace I've had on a run in quite awhile.  (Though it falls within the recommended pace for me to train in for a long run--especially on such a hot day).  Though I was a little unhappy that I allowed the heat and hills to get to me, I felt exhilaration to have completed the run on a day when many people I know would have said, "It's too hot to run today." 

Dave chose the route today, and I should be thankful to him for pushing me beyond my comfort zone.  He believes in my ability to improve and push beyond where I am.  When I sometimes say, "I don't know if I can do this," he will say, "Yes, you can!"  Dave is able to continue to run an admirable pace with the heat and hills.  He averaged a 9:24 pace....which I guess is slower than his goal race pace, too.  I guess I just need to accept the fact that I will not keep up with him. 

As we approach the middle of the summer break and prepare to embark on our summer trip, I am looking forward to truly enjoying myself as we travel throughout Europe (Switzerland, France, Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Germany).  I am planning on making time to stay true to the training plan as I prepare for a half marathon in October, 15K in November, and Full Marathon in December.  I look forward to running in different towns, cities and countries.  I am excited to see where the roads and trails will lead.

Next week I have on last race before our trip; a 10K on July 4.  A good friend of mine, Nicole, will be running it as well.  It will be her first 10K.  I hope she is able to enjoy the race and the accomplishment of reaching a new distance.