Over the past few weeks, I’ve realized that my legs are stronger than ever. I’m maintaining paces that were once never even imaginable to me. In fact, the two times I ran the NYRR Fifth Avenue Mile, in 2009 and 2011, I never broke an 8:15 pace.
Yesterday, when I shared this picture on Instagram, I was still in shock that I was able to maintain a 7:43 and 7:48 pace for a mile each.
But, after checking my Garmin a few times and feeling the multiple dry heaves and near puke moments, I spent a few moments enjoying this new-found speed.
This speed makes me want to push harder than years before. It makes me believe that some time, down the road, with proper training I may be able to run a sub 4-hour marathon. But most of all, it has made the act of running more fun than ever before. Historically running for me was not only a way of losing weight and staying in shape, but also a very social activity. When living in New York City, I typically ran with friends at least twice a week. Don’t get me wrong, running with friends was certainly fun but I wasn’t always enjoying the run. I was enjoying the company of others, catching up with friends and the fact that their company took my mind off the act of running.
Since moving to Geneva, it’s a rare gift to run with my friend Emily. Running alone quickly grew boring and challenging, even when I took the time to put together a new playlist or was surrounded by beautiful sites. Since starting the Runner’s World Run Less, Run Faster plan, I am focused on each runs goal and the actual activity of running versus trying to take my mind off the run. I’ve found that having focused runs, each of which have a goal, is making running more enjoyable and delivering more results. In fact, at least once a week I leave the house without music. I have found comfort in the challenge that makes me want to focus on my muscles, my pounding heart and my breathing.
So whether you’re working up to running your first 5k or training for an ultra marathon, try changing things up once in a while. You never know what a new training plan or a solo run will do for you.
It’s great when we can run much faster than we thought we could – proof that your training is working!
Thanks Tina! I agree – it’s the BEST!
I love adapting running to fit my life/mood/goals/etc. I think it’s important to do this to keep it interesting and keep yourself healthy. Great running Ashley!
Thanks Laura! You’ve definitely been a running role model lately!
Hey, speedy Gonzalez 🙂 Having smaller goals is a great way to work toward a bigger goal. Sounds like your well on your way to a sub-4 hour marathon. Great job!
Thank you so much! I’m trying Melody!