This has been a GREAT running week for me and I have been rewarded with a breakthrough of sorts. My weekly mileage topped 26, the highest I have logged in a while. The stats include a 9-miler, two 5-milers and a couple of shorter runs. I spent a lot of time thinking about what has been holding me back in running, mostly I have focused on self doubt. As a result, I learned a few things about myself:
1. Sprinkling in a few very low mileage weeks does not mean I have to start anew, I will run stronger and faster the next week.
2. If I run faster, I will not collapse. My lungs will burn, but my legs are up to it.
3. I really like running rolling hills (when did this happen?)!
4. I struggle with big hills (still working on this one).
5. I can run further than I think I can, if I just believe in myself.
This morning, after an easy run, John started throwing the term “us” around in conversation about his bicycle ride. My squatty little legs were tired so I ignored him. Undeterred, he started with the questions: what time would I like to go, should he put my bicycle on the car, if I did ride where would I ride, those sorts of questions. I thought I was being noncommittal but I must have nodded or given some yes indication cause the next think I know, my tires are pumped up and my bike was on the car.
Old Walland Road in Blount County was our destination, a flat to rolling 18-mile out and back road that is a favorite among locals for bicycling and running. We saw a lot of people doing both. The plan was to bicycle out as far as I thought I could ride back, then turn around and head back to the car.
Sunny, warmish weather with slightly gusty winds made for great riding. I got out further than expected and struggled a bit getting back (there is a lesson in that) but I had a great time and still averaged 14.5-mph. As soon as we got back to the parking lot, John put my bike on the car, grabbed his bicycle again and headed out on the road for the rest of his ride…another 17-miles of backcountry roads home. After the ride, I ran for a short distance to see if I still could. I was a bit wobbly at first, I did and it was great!
Below are a few pics of the ride.
Foothills in Blount County
John checking the computer on his bike
John (looks good in helmet), Beverly (looks like bowl on head 🙂
The Little River along Old Walland Road
Look under the arrow, big earth moving equipment…this cannot be a good thing in these fields
John taking off for the last 17-miles of his ride
John would get home on his bicycle not long after I got home in the car
