Well today was a tough run. Ok, in reality, the last 2 weeks have been tough. I've got the weight of the world on my shoulders right now and running hasn't been the solace it usually is. I've been trying to follow my plan as religiously as I can and although I had an amazing 18k run 2 weeks ago, the wheels fell off the rails after that. But despite that, I still got out to the lake and "ran" the 20k course today for my trail race in 3 weeks (I use quotations, because can I even call this run a run? Did I run? Yes, but I also hiked a lot including the majority of the final 3 k loop). My plan was to keep it nice and slow to ensure good recovery, but boy oh boy, that was slow even for me. My legs were heavy, my head couldn't get in the game and my tummy was grumbling saying "Feed me!" as soon as I pulled into the parking lot. I had a quick loo break, popped open my lunch kit and ate half my bagel and my orange, had a quick chat with another runner who was also heading out and I started on the trails. I know this course well. I have ran the 3 parts at different times a lot this summer but this was the first time putting it all together. I knew it would be a tough one, but also knew there was no way to shorten it unless I bailed after the 16k mark and either walked the gravel road back to the car (a good 1 1/2km), redirected myself to run the final 2k of the 5k course which is shorter and through the meadow, or just bite the bullet and follow the prescribed trail back to the finish. I opted to go with choice 3 but decided to hike it. It took the pressure off a bit, still getting in the miles without the pressure of making these dead legs run. I stopped to watch a cute little frog bound away heading toward one of the ponds 🐸 which gave me a little giggle and lifted my spirits a bit. When I got to the top of the final hill and started along the top ridge, my legs were itching to run (I love that ridge run 💕) so I ran. Then I slowly skirted down the steep decent into the meadow (after stopping to take the picture of the inukshuk someone made at the top of the hill. It was tiny and cute, and I've never noticed it before. Perhaps it is new, or perhaps I just finally noticed it since I stopped focussing on my run). I started to run through the final meadow portion (about 600 m) but decided to finish with a cool down walk instead. My feet were sore, my legs were heavy, and I was physically and mentally done. When I got back to the car, I had a quick chat with a couple horseback riders then I made the quick drive over the bridge to the main beach at the Provincial Park that is directly opposite part of the trails I was running. I took my shoes and socks off, cooled my feet in the water and enjoyed what remained of my lunch. It was a nice ending to a tough run. It allowed me to reflect a little bit. Today was tough, but on the positive side, race day can't get much slower without them sending out a search party 😂. I'm normally a middle of the pack runner, but I'm thinking this race will have me bringing up the rear. I've ran most of these long runs easy, with the goal to keep it enjoyable and as such have changed my time goal often. My new goal is to still be smiling and running at the end.....and please be faster than today 🙏. I also think I'll cut back next week's long run (it is supposed to be 18k) to somewhere between 14-16 k and run some of the other loops that are not part of my race for a change of scenery. Then I'm off to a conference the weekend before my race which will mean no trail run and maybe a hotel treadmill run if time permits. A little break might be needed, perhaps.
The other two pictures where taken during my run showing that the leaves are just starting to change colour. I can't believe it. I guess summer is almost over 😢.
xx
Trail du Gévaudan - check!
