How long has it been since I posted? A month, maybe more? Yeah, probably. Training for a crazy October is still in full swing. A few weeks ago I set out on a mission to complete a long run and ended up with a successful 20 miler. Then, I ran 10 miles the next day? Smart? Probably not, but luckily it all worked out OK.
This past weekend, I headed to over to Waynesboro to run the Gut Check 30K, figuring it was a great way to get in another long run. I planned to take it slow, enjoy the day and a different route. Luckily, I succeded on all fronts. I met up with the girls who I'll be running Ragnar with in a few days and we stuck together for several miles.
About 6 or so miles in, I just couldn't take it any more, we were bunched in with another group of people, and I couldn't stand feeling so close to everyone. Since we were running on roads not closed to traffic, we had to stay in single file. Both groups slowed up a bit at a water stop and I made my way away from the group with a little room to breathe. Much better! I continued closed with the group until about 13 miles when a few people passed me and started to speed up and a few started to slow down. I found myself in a comfortable position and zoned out with some music and enjoyed all the ups and downs over the rolling hills.
After getting stopped at a stoplight due to very backed up traffic (I'm sure everyone driving was so happy we were out running and blocking the roads up Saturday morning!), I made my way past the schools and knew we were back in town and knew the finish would be coming up within a few miles. As we rounded the last corner, I passed one lady and one guy passed me. I picked it up big time when the guy passed me and he commented that I still had a lot left. I had been taking it fairly easy yet still moving at a 'little faster than normal long run pace' but didn't want to get passed at the end! Crossed the finish line at 2:50:20 which I was happy with for a nice, long run.
I quickly found the food table and continued to make my way back there more than once for some post race 'fuel' before packing up and heading back home. No pictures...my husband showed up a few minutes too late since I told him it would probably be about 3 hours! Oh well!
Next up: a 5K this weekend that I'm running with one of the dogs. Can't wait! I don't really care for 5Ks but I've been looking forward to this one for quite awhile. I even have an outfit picked out - for both me and Hannah! As long as I can get her through the first 30 seconds to 1 minute of the run, I think she'll do great. She tends to bite at the leash and pull for about 30 seconds or so until I can get her to realize we're not playing. After that, she runs right with me...hopefully around a bunch of people and other dogs she will do the same. After taking her to the animal shelter open house where I volunteered last week, I think she will be fine, she was great with the people and other dogs there!
hi hi hi! So nice to hear from you! Good job on the 30K! I know what you mean about being bunched up single file, trail running gets like that sometimes and it can be VERY crowded and annoying!
ReplyDeleteHope you stop in more often :)
That sounds great Abbi. I didn't know that Waynesboro had a race like that. That is the town that my mom and my sister are in:)
ReplyDeleteGood to read you! Great 30 k!
ReplyDeleteThat 30K sounds really great...my next goal is going to be doing a trail run, if I can finally cross marathon off my list :)
ReplyDeleteI've never done a 30k, but it sounds like an interesting distance. Nice pace, too!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the 30k, that's a great time!!! LOve the fact you run a 5kwith your dog! KI wish we would have one here :)
ReplyDeleteAhhh I would LOVE to find some of these longer 25k, 30k, etc. races to use as long training runs. I don't know why, but I always put in more effort when my training runs involve a race than when I'm just cruising along on my own. Hopefully that starts to change!
ReplyDeleteNice to see you blogging again :) I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, as well! It's so hard after you fall out of a regular blogging routine.