Holy Cow, Batman – Slow Down! Or, the Downside of Running Faster!

Now that I want to break records and fly like a speed racer across the plains of southern Georgia, I’m having issues.

I always wanted to be fast, to go faster, to get ahead in my running. I’ve trained for I don’t know how many years just to do that.  For some reason it is now coming together-my speed IS improving. It’s incredible! It’s wonderful! It makes me want to sing! Laaaa!

Ah, but there are drawbacks. This is true. I thought today’s post would be about these drawbacks because I don’t want you to think that getting faster is all fun and games! No sir, running faster changes things. Like:

1. No time to think and plan. Look, if I’m running as fast as my legs will carry me, I’m not thinking about why my girl is sick again, how much more I have to write for this tax class I’m doing, when it is I will get all my crap together for my taxes . . . these are the things I used to ponder on a  run. Now I’m thinking, “Holy shit! I can’t breathe! I can’t slow down! Oh no I’m over 9 minute miles!” I’m no longer thinking about stuff that I need to do but how fast I am going, which leads me to the next quandry:
2. I have no time alone. Laugh if you will! My running time used to be time spent with my thoughts. No longer! At least three of my weekly runs I concentrate on speed. Get it done! Go faster!  That leaves my long Saturday run in which to contemplate the state of our economy and other dire matters. No alone time with my thoughts. Who knows, perhaps this will be a good thing?!
3. It makes me want to GOOOOOOO. Look, I will be blunt here: Running is nature’s natural laxative. If you can’t go, put on some running shoes and head outside for a five miler. When you get back, Viola! I find that running fast makes this even more, well, likely. It’s nice, I won’t complain, but seriously, what if I get super fast and want to run like ten miles at an 8 mile clip? Will I end up, gasp, defecating on  the side of the road?!

For all the bads, though, there are many goods. My runs are getting shorter because i’m getting faster. I’m definitely becoming a stronger runner, and I certainly hope this improves my times at races. I’m doing a 10K on Saturday so I will let you know.

Today I ran 6 miles in preparation. I wanted to get done in 54 minutes and finished at like 55:20. I was screaming during the last 4/100ths of a mile, “HURRY UP! BEAT THE WATCH!” But, just couldn’t pump it fast enough. There were times I was running at an 8:15 / 8:20 and times at a 9:15. Not consistent. I think my normal time now fo ra run is 9:15/9:25. When I push I can do 8:50 and when I push really, really hard I drop down into the mid 8s. I’m happy with that. If i could do every run at 8:30 mama marathoner would be one happy, well, momma!

Speaking of momma . . . .

Sick Daughter

My youngest is sick again today. Fever yesterday, but slept through the night. The oldest one was up at 4 calling for me. She was scared and asked me to lay with her, so I slept for an hour cuddled around her little body. It’s amazing how fast they grow: She’ll start kindergarten next year! I remember when she was just born: the pinnk casts on her legs (breech), the colic, the walks around our apartment’s fountain to try to calm her down. Ah, babies are cute, but toddlers are awesome!

And now for something totally fun!

I listed my goals for running in 2009 in a previous post (if you haven’t listed yours here, please do!) Mine were two run two marathons again this year and to get faster. Okay, I told you about my speedwork above. Now on to the next exciting news!

I met a fellow runner (and I will link to her blog as soon as she is up and, well, running!) through the internet and we have been corresponding. A lot in common: personal training, two kids, marathon running, writing. Anyway, she and I have decided to do the Palm Beach Marathon in December together! I’m super psyched to meet a fellow runner in person! It should be alot of fun.

I’m also looking at a summer marathon upon which I travel, gasp, solo! I’d like to take the family but conflicts are such that we can’t all go, so I’m going to see if my lovely mom will come up and watch the girls for a few days and drive me to the airport (thanks mom, we’ll talk soon!)

I’m super excited about these two things and will keep you posted. I’m looking at Seattle and Michigan in June. Any suggestions? I’d like to do something in June or July or August to be ready for December.

Hope all of your runs are good ones today!