The Story

Distance running can be thankless, isolating, and physically debilitating. Why do it, then? I put in the work for those days when everything clicks into place, when my body seemingly forgets it's limits and the run becomes effortless. I'm also working towards overcoming a year-long injury and training for the Olympic Trials Marathon in February. This blog follows that story and beyond, however it may happen.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Long runs

Yesterday I popped off a 30 mile long run in and around Jackson NH. Potentially one of my best long run efforts to date. 152 HR, 6:00 average pace. It actually felt somewhat routine, and yet I don't remember ever doing a run that long that fast before, and with a heart rate that low. I'd done a 30 mile and a 32 mile long run in the spring of 2014 leading up to Grandma's... but I really think this was a new level of quality. Even if it isn't in reality, I'm convinced it is so we're going to leave it at that. Be happy and move on because there's always another day to look forward to.

I got back to my car, sat down on the dirt to do some light stretches and looked around.

Take a second and really look at this picture. There's nothing hidden in it, just give yourself 8 seconds to try and put yourself there.

Grey sky, leafless trees, road curving slightly away from me-- on one hand it seems empty and isolating. It sure looks empty and isolating. As I sat there on the cold ground reveling in my body's soreness and looking as haggard as you'd expect, the typical fall scene around me started to feel especially...inviting... or.... approachable... almost comfortable. That packed dirt on the side of the road tapering off in the distance, the wind buzzing around me... it was all the way it was supposed to be and nothing more. I was who I was in that moment-- again--nothing more. The hard road and the freezing wind can be unforgiving at the best of times, but right then, BAM, it was like we got each other. That's what I'll always remember about this picture.

These are the things that happen to your brain after running for 30 miles straight.

AH
Posted by at

6 comments:

  1. DoubleJDecember 2, 2015 at 9:20 PM

    I once ran 31.06 miles at 5:59 pace... but that was a 50k race (US Championship in 3:05:37) and that was good enough for 3rd... you did just a normal run about the same pace I was racing at and about the same distance and I guarantee you it was hillier on your route than mine... crazy. I'd say you are getting FIT! And now I feel slow! 　. The 2011 version of me could have maybe kept up with you....but I would have had to race to do it! :). This is getting exciting man... great stuff! So glad to hear you are tearing it up again with the training...It truly is incredible what you are doing right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownDecember 2, 2015 at 9:35 PM

      Thanks JJ! It's a great feeling for sure. Main goal #1 and #1b is still to get to the race healthy! If I can do that, anything else is a bonus. Hey I still owe you a sympathy beer for when you had that stress fracture. Someday...

      Delete
  2. UnknownDecember 3, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    Andrew, glad to see you're running so well! What's the next big goal? Rio?

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownDecember 3, 2015 at 6:58 AM

    Thanks Chelsey! Next big goal is to get to the trials on 2/15 healthy and happy and do well. Rio would obviously be fantastic but realistically it's a huge reach for me. I haven't thought much beyond the trials yet

    ReplyDelete
  4. NickDecember 3, 2015 at 7:33 AM

    You're an inspiration to watch and I love reading your blog and following your progress. Keep it up!!!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)