Long Run Saturday City to the Sea Training

The long run. It can strike fear and anxiousness in even the best runners. I have definitely been struggling to get my long runs in lately. With the City to the Sea Half Marathon just 7 weeks out I'm starting to get serious. Should I have gotten serious earlier, yes, but as they say. Better late than never.

Long Run Saturday

I did my first 8 mile long run on the track Saturday morning. I warmed up and ran slowly while chatting with a friend for the first few miles. I definitely wasn't going as hard as I could, but it served as a good warm up for the next 5 miles. Running a long run on the track is not ideal, but I had a few groups of friends showing up at different times, 7am and 8am, so I would have company for the whole thing.

Why are Long Runs So Hard

One of the hard things about getting my long runs in lately has been that I really don't enjoy running far in Ukiah. I like bigger cities, more vibrant city life, endless trails and sidewalks and robust running groups. That is just not the scene here in Ukiah and when a long run can be all the way from one town to another on small backroads, I'm not super thrilled to do it.

In reality, these are all just excuses, right? I should be able to run anywhere. There really is no excuse that is good enough. I always tell my clients this too. So, I need to eat my excuses and suck it up and run!

No More Excuses

This week is all about getting in some speed work and a few longer midweek runs, around 4-6 miles each. In fact, today (Monday), I did a 4.5 mile speed run at the track.

1.5 mile warm-up

6 x 400's at 6:00 minute mile pace (1:30)

1 mile cool down

My excuses can be excused! This week I'm nailing down my training and taking control of this half marathon. My original goal was 1:45, but life seems to always get in the way. Or perhaps I was just lazy. So the new goal is under two hours. Sub two-hours, I'm coming for you!

Join Me and Save

Interested in running this race? You absolutely should! There is a half marathon and 5k option and I would love to see you there. Save $10 on registration with code: citytotheseabibrave.

Treat Yourself

So, I may not have been getting all my long runs in, but when I do I treat myself! So there will be a lot more of this over the next few weeks. Yep, I did it. Strawberry-Peach Belgian Waffles with scrambled eggs and whipped cream. Breakfast of champions and a pretty good post long run refueler. Carbs, fat and protein are all covered.

With breakfast like this, perhaps I will start to add multiple long runs into my routine each week. :)