It always feels good to get the longest run of the training cycle done! Michelle and I got in our 12 miler over the weekend, and I’m so glad to have it done and out of the way. Plus, I know I can do 13.1 if I can do 12…even though I was barely hanging in there at the end of 12.

This whole training cycle has been really hard for me. Mostly mentally….I’m just not into it. In the past I’ve always been excited about my runs, but this time around I’m frustrated with the time it takes to do the training, I’ve looked for (and found) excuses to skip training runs, and then had a legit knee injury contribute to missing runs.

I’m just not feeling it any more. It feels more like a burden than a joy, and if running isn’t something I can enjoy then it’s time to change things.

After this next half I’m going to hang up the half distance and move to 10K’s or less. I just feel like my knees are hurting in a bad way, not a “normal” you just ran 12 miles way, and some things are still bothering me from the car accident…things that I don’t expect to go away. And, I don’t feel like I have anything to prove to myself with my running. I spent several years that I will cherish forever running with Sky in the stroller, qualified for Half Fanatics, traveled for some amazing destination races, beat the PR I wanted, and have hung with two running partners that are 5 and 7 years younger than me. Not bad for someone who’s tag line was “I’ll never be a runner!” I’m proud of myself and my accomplishments!

The idea of 40 – 60 min training runs vs. 2.5 hour training runs, and then feel out of it the rest of the day seems pretty great as well. Bonus, Mark likes the idea of traveling for 10K’s much better than traveling for half marathons, because I’m pretty out of it for a few days after a half…but a 10K, I’m good to go after 6 miles. Family trips planned around races…YES!

Such a sense of relief to have a plan for after the Sep half…the whole situation has been on my mind for weeks. I’m still looking forward to running a trail half, but I’m really looking forward to moving on in my running life and making changes that will allow me to continue running, and more importantly continue enjoying it!