Wednesday, September 22, 2010

When 15K feels short

My MWML-run is a fall-back to 15K/9.3mi this week as part of my unofficial taper for the half this weekend. It's amazing how my perception has changed - a couple months ago, this distance felt pretty long for mid-week; now, it's a piece of cake and my new "normal". That being said, it will be nice to take a break from long-ish distances during the week after the marathon.

Anyway, it was a restless night as thunderstorms kept me awake, tossing and turning until the alarm went off at 4AM. The thunder, lightening and torrential rain were so intense during the night that I wondered if running would be an option this morning. And to be honest, sleeping in was pretty appealing at that time. Fortunately I was meeting Juliana and since the storm had passed, I had no excuse.

We splish-splashed through puddles, dodging frogs and snails on the path. It was a great run, mostly at recovery pace, but I am definitely feeling the lack of sleep now that I'm at the office. Zzzz....

15.0KM/9.3mi - 1:28:41 - 5:55/KM (9:31/mi)


With tomorrow being the official first day of Autumn, there's no question that the days are shorter. I'm noticing that it is now pitch black from the beginning of my run til the end. I was enjoying watching the sunrise during those last few miles, but pretty soon I will be seeing it on the way to work. It's sad to see daylight waning, but this is by far my favourite season. Fall brings Thanksgiving, Birthdays (mine and hubs') and RACE SEASON! (Although, having already completed 16 races this year, I'm not sure if this actually qualifies as "Race Season" for me. :P) Here's what's coming up:

September 26: Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon
October 17: Goodlife Toronto Marathon
October 31: Tom Taylor Trail Ten Miler (Yes I will be running in costume!)

What's on your Fall Race Schedule?

37 comments:

Joanna said...

I have the Lewis & Clark Marathon (Oct. 3) and the US Half (Nov. 7) coming up, with *maybe* a local 10-mile race in between.

Jess said...

Amazing that you've been able to incorporate this mid-week long runs! And to be at the end of the training cycle and think of 15K as "short" -- that's awesome! Congrats.

dawn @ running the dawn said...

i am with you! i've been doing multiple double-digit runs during the week and i am SOO looking forward to scaling back after the marathon.

ShutUpandRun said...

I love it when it starts to feel easier! You are getting stronger and dedicated training is working (btw, in your stats you have 15K being 19.2 miles...)

Anonymous said...

i will be there 2/3. hope to see u there!
lots of luck marlene

Unknown said...

When long distances start to feel easy, you know races are just around the corner!

Andrew Opala said...

I guess I can look forward to it feeling "easier" or is that a euphemism for "less harder"

Bethany + Ryan said...

oh cool, our marathons are on the same day. Ry and I are doing the Baystate Marathon, it is one of the best Boston qualifiers in the world, almost 40% of runners will qualify. it's flat and fast! good luck with your half. we are running the Wicked Half marathon in Salem Mass on saturday. i haven't run a half in awhile so i'm pretty excited. good luck to you

AM! said...

love the question of Fall Race schedule...might have to copy ya w/this one;0

Vintage 5k run this sunday
sprint all women's tri on oct 9th
half marathon on oct 30

then it's OFF season for me in nov/dec! all about st, xtraining, yoga y mas!

Robin said...

I'm running the Scotiabank full this weekend and I'll be doing the Tom Taylor 10 miler as well...looking forward to that one!
Good luck on your 1/2 this weekend. You're training is inspiring.

Laura said...

I just have the Road2Hope in Nov...and a sneaking suspicion I am going to be DFL in the full...serious freakout happening.

Cindy said...

too funny, we used to feel that 6K runs were long...now anything under 20K feels short to us now!!

J said...

Hopefully if my knee feels better I will be running some 5k races this October! Otherwise I don't know what I am going to be doing...back to the treadmill for some winter speedwork I am sure!

Great job on the 9.3 miles this morning!!

Jill said...

I love fall racing season...totally sucks to not be out there. I know you're going to do great on all your upcoming races...RUN Marleen, RUN!!!

Runners Fuel said...

I love fall, too, but I miss the sunlight. I feel lazy when it gets dark so early.

teacherwoman said...

So what kind of costume are you wearing for that 10-miler?!

Johann said...

I also do my midweek longer run on Wednesdays and did 15.1km this morning. I had to be up at 3:45 today to fit everything in before work started. Are we crazy or what? On my side spring is here and the mornings are getting warmer, lighter and are beautiful. My racing season lasts the whole year.

Clarkie said...

Fall is my favorite season too. I am missing the sunlight though. It feels like I go into work when its dark, and come out when its dark, never to see the light of day.

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

You MWML runs are amazing...after little sleep too. You are awesome. Nice dedication. And since the praise has started, how about 16 races already this year. Lucky! (I am currently brain washing Hubbs into more activity which should equal more great runs and races for me...humm, I meant us!)

Happy Wednesday

Being Robinson said...

that has to be a GOOD feeling, knowing that's a short mid-week run. yay for taper weeks! and good luck at your half.

No Longer Using said...

half marathon this weekend- WOO!

i have definitely made progress w/o really even realizing it/ trying to. over the past 3 years since my first half, i have "normalized" more to runs between 8-10 miles. so it's not a problem to just go out for 8 miles, whereas before it would be a huge challenge. it's all relative what we adjust to eventually! but kinda cool!!

misszippy said...

Isn't it nice to be in such great shape? Enjoy this "down" time!

Denise said...

you've been in race season all year!!

3 marathons left this year..oct, nov and dec. can't wait!!

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

G and I were just saying that anything under 10 miles isn't "long" anymore.

Our schedules are pretty much the same. Half this weekend. Full - Oct 16. Then an 8K for me in Nov.

Heidi said...

Not a whisper of a race schedule here - booooo ;(. I'd love one but it's not feasible. I just get to live vicariously through others like you.

Aron said...

thats my fav part of marathon training, when those runs feel short :)

i havent raced in TWO months now which is a lot for me :) october i have 2 half marathons and then a 10k in nov and marathon december! weeee :)

TNTcoach Ken said...

Wow, that must have been a huge storm because we had the same weather and yes I slept in and didn't run!!!!

Teamarcia said...

We had a heck of a storm last night too! I love how perspective changes and what used to be 'longs' become 'short'!
I've got a full on 10/10 and a half on 10/17 followed by hibernation. :P

ajh said...

We won't talk about my fall race schedule! Glad yours is going great! Tomorrow I am riding my bike to work. I am wondering if I can make it a goal to get to work under my own power each month this year. Maybe too hard with the snow esp. if I am not running.

B.o.B. said...

I hate the time change. I don't like leaving work in the dark. It bugs me. LOL!

Awesome run schedule. I wish MCM wasn't no Halloween. Oh well.

Runner Leana said...

You know, I haven't actually signed up for any fall races... I've had a hard time looking ahead although I know I have a marathon coming in Janaury!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the welcome back! I love autumn too!!

Melissa said...

That is awesome!!! I am definitely not to where 10 miles feels "short" but I am getting to where 6-8 feels "normal"...it's kind of weird!

Disney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon on 10/2
Komen Race for the Cure 5K on 10/9 (tacking it on to the end of my long run for the day)
St Jude/Memphis Mararhon (my first!) on 12/4

Melissa said...

errr...marathon!

Unknown said...

You race a ton! I love the way you said your newer mileage has become your new normal. I totally get that right now, I feel the same way. GOOD LUCK this weekend!

Molly said...

I can't believe how early it gets dark now! I have a Leaf Peeper Half Marathon in October, then a 10k Turkey trot...after that, who knows! Good luck with your half this weekend!

Nicole said...

I am running Long Beach in October... so far thats it! :) Maybe ill throw in some short races here and there!