Some Distance

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My niece, during my recent visit to Kansas.

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I actually got to run the hills in my hometown one more time over the holiday weekend. I also ran the furthest I’ve run since the marathon. I haven’t found nine miles to be very significant in a while, but I’m happy to feel like I’m increasing my mileage again. And over hills even.

Sister Run

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This weekend I got to run with my sister. We first ran on treadmills next to each other. She just started running earlier this year, so while I tried to be sure she knew I wasn’t concerned about going a slower pace to run with her, I think part of the motivation for starting with treadmills was so she wouldn’t worry about slowing me down. We did go our own paces, but I got a little extra out of the run too. I was excited to find it was exhilarating to be the motivator. We agreed to 30 minutes and my sister admitted to not wanting to walk with me next to her. But not only did she not walk, we kept going past 30 minutes so she could hit a mileage marker and she even increased beyond her normal pace. I really liked being able to see my sister push on her run and my satisfaction wasn’t what I’d done that day, but what I’d helped my sister accomplish. If we lived closer, I’d always be game for a run and she’d never have to worry about upsetting my pace.

The Route to Measure By

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After Saturday’s post, I have to share Sunday’s run. It was a beautiful afternoon and I wanted to get out again not only for the weather, but for a little reassurance my distance abilities hadn’t really fallen to 4 miles. I had a happy, brisk run of 6.5 miles on a familiar route. I’ve actually used this route a few times to measure my current running fitness. The first time I considered running long distances, I tried out this route to make a decision. Last year mid training, I ran the same route and even added to it as a mid week run, realizing I had previously considered it a long run for the weekend. I remember this same milestone when training for the marathon this year. Now, the route is back as a weekend run, but I’m happy I’m at least running it.

Distance Lost

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It’s amazing how fast one can lose distance. It’s a bit over a month since the marathon and I haven’t done any runs much over 5 miles. I can’t claim marathon recovery, but I did again take a week off while I was on my recent trip to Australia. And now today’s Saturday long run wasn’t even 4 miles. After running 13 or more miles just about every Saturday for 7 months, it has felt good to have the Saturday’s off, but I’m ready to build some mileage again. I feel a little inadequate with my current running ability.

Australian Vineyard

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