So says one of the Principles of Motor Learning. The sad part is knowing how much I've lost.
This week it was hot and humid, which didn't help matters.
Tuesday was a blur of sweat. Yet I enjoyed it because I chose to take it easy and run with a friend. I have no races coming up and leave for a month of blustery cold tomorrow. Besides which, over the past few weeks I have made the mistake of trying to push, push, push myself and end up burning out 15min into the 45min session.
Today was my last long slow run of the year (in Australia). There were not too many of us and most of us were of the slower group. I thought this would be to my advantage, but I forgot how much fitness I had lost. By 1k in the heat was getting to me and I was very tempted to turn around then and there. But I bit my tongue and kept going - and kept up - for the next 4k.
Fortunately, at the 4.5k mark four friends split off from the other group to loop back while the others completed the 6k halfway marker. I turned around with those running the short option and headed back. I ran with a great gal who kept me honest. When things got tough we would groan with frustration then launch into another conversation to keep our minds occupied.
I can't say it was "before you know it", but eventually we reached the end. Between lack of training and lethargy from the heat, I am slowest of the slow. I will need to remember this next year if I think of training for a summer race! I don't know how I would have survived marathon training in this weather.
Total distance: 9.5km
Total time: 59.37min
Avg pace: ~6.30min/km
With the end of the running season now on me, it is time to reflect on running goals for next year! I already have a good idea of what I'll be aiming for...more on that later.
