"It's just running"

The running is definitely getting better, even with the heat. Although, last night, I went on a tempo run for an hour and only managed a 7:10 pace for the 6 miles of tempo. Instead of relying on pace, I used my heart rate to dictate the effort. Either the heat has slowed me down or I have gotten a lot slower. During my marathon training, my tempo pace was 6:25 at the same heart rate. Oh well...

During a hilly trail run earlier this week, I was so zoned out that I didn't even notice when I was running uphill until near the end of my run, mainly, because my heart rate didn't fluctuate that much on the climbs. I'll chalk that one up to a zen run.

Knowing I am pacing Olga at Hardrock next week has also provided a lot of motivation. I've been giving 110% during every workout, whether it's in the gym, on the treadmill, or on the trail. The one thing that always keeps me going when I want to let up or quit a particular workout is my desire to be at my best in Silverton. I rationalize that I need to suffer as much now so I won't have to suffer as much later. Nonetheless, I know I will still suffer later. While we all have our physical and genetic limitations, I'm beginning to believe the difference may be mental toughness. I don't, especially, like some of my workouts, specifically, the weight training. But, I know it provides great benefits, considering the terrain of the San Juan Mountains. Two months ago, if someone would have told me I would be doing five sets of squats lifting 200 pounds in each set, doing fifteen reps each, I would have said, "I can't!". But, now I know "I can!". I'm also focused on dropping a few pounds for the remainder of the Summer to allow me to better handle the heat and run a little faster. Regardless, it's all about balance. There are many things occurring in all areas of my life that could cause me to change my running plans. And, I'm ok with that. I've said it before, "it's just running...".