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Writer's pictureJoni Lynn Schwartz

Marathon Training Week Four: Interruptions

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Reflecting on running and life this week. There have been interruptions.


We found out that our favorite neighbors at the campground are moving in 4 days. If there were to be a homecoming king and queen of the campground it would be this couple. They’ve become extra grandparents to our kids and we are sad to see them go.

During my long run, which is detailed below, I saw the procession for Fallen Officer Wallin who was killed in the line of duty last week. This caused me to stop mid run. Officer Wallin went to work last Saturday with plans for his life that would not be fulfilled.


Life is not guaranteed, time with the people we love is limited and worth the interruptions.


Monday

The HARD speed workout from last week was back with a vengeance and an added 5 intervals for a total of 15 x 1 minute intervals at an uncomfortable pace.


My alarm was set for 4:05, I knew I needed to be up extra early to get this run in and be ready for work at 7:30. It was light enough out by 5:20 to start an easy warm up and then take off! I decided before I even left the house that I was just going to do it, no excuses. It felt terrible at times and I had a few slower intervals but then would rebound with a fast one. The temps were cool at the start but it warmed up quickly, took off my long sleeve and then one of AirPods fell out on the road. That was a slow one minute. When I stopped my Garmin the total mileage was 6.66 and that pretty much sums up my least favorite workout!


Tuesday

I decided to sleep, work and then run. I’m pretty sure I ended up running at the HOTTEST part of the day. When I got home from work the temperature was 75 but the real feel temp was 87! I didn’t think it was possible but this run actually felt worse than the speed work from yesterday.


Wednesday

More miles.


Thursday

Another long run. Staying at our camper and surrounded by hills I decided to drive to the trails in town. One mile repeats, ended up being a long run with the warm up, rest between intervals and cool down. I miscalculated miles on the trail, attempting to run out and back, so when I finished I was far far away from my car and had to do a long walk back.


Friday

Recovery run.


Saturday

14 mile long run on the schedule. My six year old was out of bed before I left, I like to leave before anyone is awake but didn’t quite make it. Interruption. Mentally I was not in the mood for this run and it was an act of will to hit my pace window the first couple of miles. I had a rough plan for a route, wrap around through town and then head south on my favorite route. Interruption.


As I wound through town I saw several emergency vehicles lined up by the highway and knew they were there for the procession for Officer Wallin. This sight had me choked up and I decided to circle laps around town until they arrived. Interruption. I paused my watch and stood at the side of the road with other community members to pay respect to a young man who showed up to do his job.


With 5 miles left I resumed my run. I could see a wall of rain moving towards me with nowhere to hide. Heaven cried for Officer Wallin as the skies let loose a torrential downpour. Interruption. I was completely soaked, running with one eye closed to avoid the rain washing out my contact. My toes were swimming in pools of water in my shoes and squished with each step. It was a soggy 3 miles home.


This certainly wasn’t a perfect long run but it was a gift of time, interruptions and all.


Rest day tomorrow and next week is a scheduled recovery week!


Week 4 stats: 6 days running, 2 days strength, 2 days ab, total miles 45.9


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