What a difference 2 days and 22 hours of sleep including naps can do for someone. This morning I got up and felt so rested and ready to jump back into serious training. The idea of resting my body is really a new thing for me. In years past I would have dragged myself out to run or workout despite all the reservations from my body. With some words of advice from my coach and some stern looks from my husband, I have learned to take a step back and rest. I actually believe and understand that if I miss one workout I am not going to take 10 steps backwards. In fact, I will probably have a better workout now that I am rested. Sometimes it takes awhile for things to sink in. Another life lesson.
So, although I was disappointed about missing my workout yesterday, I was ready to head to the Courts and bike. Today was an easy 22 miles. Per my request, coach provided me with some alternatives to the original plan and I took advantage of the opportunity to work harder. I thought about biking to Wheaton and back for the distance, but I couldn't trust myself to keep a hard pace going on the streets like I know I would ride in the trainer. I usually bring my iPod with me so I can block out all the other noise and get pumped with my Boston play list, but, it broke on my last long run. It stopped working somewhere around mile 12 and I haven't replaced it yet. Looks like I might be heading to the Apple store to drop some more cash. Apple and Nike are two of my biggest weaknesses in life, so hopefully this won't damage my budget too much. We shall see.
So without an iPod, I was forced to watch and listen to all the sounds of the gym. Yep. This was going to be fun. After watching the same people run round and round the track for what seemed like forever, listening to the rolling of the treadmills and movement of the stair masters, and watching "Yelp" open on the floor today, I decided to zone out into an 8 min mile zone and focus on what I needed to do to reach my race pace. I started to replay the Boston course route in my mind. I closed my eyes and focussed on the walk from the athlete's village to the starting corrals. I could see the first mile of the race and the road leading past the biker bar around mile 2. The rolling hills, the screams at Welsley, the challenging rolling hills of Newton, the Boston college kids at mile 20, the Citgo sign and the straightaway to bring you home. Ahhh, I remember it all so well and can't wait to hit Bean Town again. I love this course.
The workout was a good mix of sprints, hills and pushing my legs. It was 1:05 min of non-stop pedaling; 22 miles in the books. I felt so good at the end of my ride. After the last 2 days, this was a good way to shake the mental cobwebs out of my head. Saw Nancy, Mark and Kurt at the gym lifting weights. More inspiration. Another boost to file away for my weekend workouts.
Got home and checked some email to find a message from the BAA (Boston Athletic Association) which only means one thing...Boston is coming. And it will be here before you know it. Confirmed my information and now I just have to wait for that small white envelope with my confirmation card and marathon brochure in it. So, from now until it arrives, I will be racing to the mailbox everyday like a little kid looking for that special letter.
Today is the birthday of Dr. Seuss. And, in his honor, I found this little bit of information about him that is applicable to everyone and life in general.
Dr. Seuss practiced what he preached: his first book, And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street, was rejected by 27 different publishers before it finally got picked up. “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” Seuss once wrote. Try, try, try again, he did.
Even in his actions, Dr. Seuss teaches us to never give up. And that is one of life's greatest lessons!And, my favorite Dr. Seuss book..."Ten Apples Up On Top"
Today's Workout: Planned - 22 Mile Bike Ride
Completed: 22 Mile Bike Ride
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