Relearning the Long Run

I'm so excited to begin incorporating long runs back into my schedule! During my streak, I purposely avoided running long. I just wasn't really in the mood or mindset for it. But now, I'm building my base! It's time to start working some longer miles into my weekly routine.

I don't know about you guys, but when I take some time off running long, I get kind of nervous for the first LSD. It's like I'm worried I've forgotten how.

This weekend, my "long" run was going to be an easy six miles. (Okay, this distance used to be a legitimate LSD for me! I probably shouldn't put long in quotes...) I have plenty of time to get back into double-digits, and for now I just want to get used to the feeling of adding a couple miles to my weekly runs.

Another reason this was such a good weekend to start running long again? A freak cold front! I was seriously elated to see this break in temperatures, and I'll be taking full advantage of it until it disappears.

The night before, I laid out my outfit so getting up early would be easier. When my alarm went off, I was once more super-grateful for LASIK.

Picking an outfit that makes you feel confident is key to a successful long run, I've found. My good running socks were dirty, but I wore them anyway because I wanted the perfect outfit. #grossrunnerthings

I don't always eat breakfast before a morning run, but I was starving when I woke up, so I had my usual. I also checked the weather obsessively to make sure it was still going to be cool. It was!

Morning run routine calls for iced coffee, a pop tart, and some Facebook and blog catch-up!

I got dressed, drove to the park, went through my usual routine, cued up a podcast, and headed out.

I packed Gu and candy just in case, but ended up not wanting either.

Dan Savage makes long runs easy.

I kept my pace conservative; I haven't run six miles since the pain-fest that was Shark's Tooth, but my legs felt really good and strong. The weather helped. My splits were super consistent and I just felt good the entire time.

At the halfway point, I decided I didn't want my Gu, probably because I'd already had breakfast.

Halfway point selfie!

I tried for a fast finish today, too. Around 4.5 miles, my legs were like, Wait, we're not done? I was glad I decided to cap the distance at six.

Negative splits and a sub-10 final mile?! Go me!

After the run, I showered and took a leisurely nap...it's the best part of running long on the weekends! After nap-time, I had second-breakfast (like the Hobbit I am).

More iced coffee with Chex gf apple cinnamon oatmeal topped with peanut butter and banana. (Not my favorite gf instant oatmeal...I much prefer Nature's Path, but Archie seems to enjoy this one!)

Overall, it was a great run and such a nice way to get used to the whole routine of long runs on the weekends!

Are you including long runs in your schedule?
What's your long run routine like?

ABK

On My Mind

On my mind lately, and in no particular order...

Does everybody's hunger feel the same? How do people seem to assuage hunger with something as small as yogurt?!

I've been enjoying using Matt's Indo Board lately. I fell off once and skinned my elbow, but it's a nice little full-body workout if you do it right!

This is harder than it looks, I swear!

I could seriously watch Forensic Files and Dr. G: Medical Examiner for hours straight. Thanks, HLN.

At what point do TV shows cross the line from adorably/ironically corny to totally lame?

I'm looking at you, Bones. (I like that David Boreanaz is totally like, what us?, in this pic.)

I've signed up for paperless billing and statements; why do I still get so much mail from my credit card and insurance companies?!

How the heck did we have a cold front on May 1st?! No, no...don't look a gift horse in the mouth here. 

I hope this lasts until tomorrow morning and I can enjoy my first "long run" in cool weather!

I wonder if those teens from last weekend got found out...I wonder what their blog post about the incident would look like?

Is it better to count down to summer including or excluding weekends?

There are this many days left. That's all I know.

Why does my internet work for every device in the house except my laptop? (I am constantly using my hot spot to get online!)

I do not "meal plan" but this week I did a great job making extra food so we could have leftovers all week. Go me!

Salmon, shrimp, peas, and yellow rice. Yum! I also made a week's worth of chicken on Sunday night.

I know that changing your mindset is the first step in getting healthier, but how do I get my taste-buds on board with that theory?

Oh this is dangerous...I can buy things off Amazon using accumulated credit card points?! That makes it FREE!

Running is clearly the fountain of youth!

Have you tried this robot yet? It guesses your age...I've gotten everything from 27 to 37! I apparently looked really rough after my marathon and while we were camping.

I'm trying to figure out how to download Instagram videos to my computer so I can make a playlist of fun at-home workouts.

Full Body Blast! 💪 double tap & tag your partner 👫 perform 10 reps each exercise for a total of 4 sets! @alexajeanbrown

A video posted by Alexa Jean Brown (@alexajeanfitness) on Apr 16, 2015 at 6:01pm PDT

Finally, I don't realize how much I'm not myself leading up to my TPE/follow-up meeting, and then when it's over, I feel totally weightless! I suddenly feel so happy in my classroom again!
Aaah, that brain dump felt good!

What's on your mind lately?

ABK

14 Days Running

How unfortunate is it that I persevered through scorching weather and the first time in weeks the temperature is below 75 happens to be the first day my streak is over?

Alas, that's just the way it goes sometimes. My two weeks of running daily has come to an end.

April's runs. Obviously I decided to do this streak partially because of the first week of nothing this month!

The streak definitely paid off, though. Running has become a habit again; I mostly ran alone, so that reaffirmed that I don't need to run with friends to be motivated (although sometimes it's nice!). I feel focused and dedicated. I feel ready to keep running through the end of the school year despite the pressures and time constraints. (Usually I take all of May off, and I'd like to avoid that this year.)

I love that streaking makes running a no-brainer. There is no choice, no chance to waffle...you just run!

Celebratory crazy-eyes after my last run on Monday! I dug deep for four miles on the bridge to cap off the streak.

I also think it helped me deal with the stress that comes with the last quarter of the year. I had my TPE (teacher performance evaluation) this week and I doubt I'd have been nearly as calm and prepared if I hadn't been running regularly.

So cheers to my streak for helping get me on track! But my legs and I are definitely ready for some rest!

 May is nearly here! I have no questions today, just happiness and relief!

Share something that made you happy this month!

ABK