I wasn’t expecting November 2020 to be my highest mileage month of running ever. I never planned for it to be, but here we are.
I ran 375 miles in March, which still seems surreal.
If you follow me on Strava, it’s no secret I’ve been running a lot. I have the time now, and while I still have responsibilities, as long as I’m done around 9 am, I’m usually good. Of course, there are exceptions, and some days are earlier, and some are later. But it leaves me roughly 2 hours daily to run, and I do.
I didn’t all of a sudden go from 0 to 2 hours, but it’s been a slow build-up. Most followers know I broke my foot on March 1st. The pandemic hit shortly after, and I fully rested. When I say that, I distinctly remember a period in March I didn’t go more than 1000 steps for a week straight (thanks, Coros, watch for letting me know).
One thing I’ve found that has helped me healthier is the fact that I’ve chosen to run a lot more on trails. I never knew I would be a trail runner who enjoys climbing 1000 foot climbs averaging more than 13 minutes a mile. These runs are challenging but different. They work different muscles, and my body doesn’t feel as “beat up.”
My speed is coming back because I’m getting to the track. I haven’t done “real speed workouts” in a couple of years and that is part of the problem. The track doesn’t lie and quickly humbles you. Now that I’m back there doing work, my body is starting to get used to doing track workouts again. Right now I’m almost exclusively using “standing rest” versus jogging. A problem I have is not getting my turnover faster so standing rest allows me to push harder in intervals.
Miles Run: 375
Range of paces: 5:46-19:40
Workouts: 8
Races: 0 (and California has no interest in having any anytime soon).
So What is the Goal with all of this?
A marathon? No.
An ultra trail marathon? Also, no.
I don’t really enjoy running for more than 2 hours, and I am just enjoying the process of getting fitter. I haven’t been fit (for me) in over 2 years. That was a combination of running less than 40 miles a week, prioritizing life, and being busy with other things. The pandemic has sucked for everyone, but it has allowed me to have more time to run. Not only run but sleep and do the little things like stretch.
How can I run so much?
I guess I just do. I don’t care about pace or time for everything outside of workouts. If I run 10-minute miles on roads, I don’t care. As long as it feels easy and I’m back in time to do work, it doesn’t matter. My easy run pace drastically varies by how I feel, and I will run anywhere from 8-11 minute miles on the road. It really just depends on the day.
I also fuel and eat a lot. My spouse and I went through an 11-pound turkey in 2 days. Without fueling properly, I know I wouldn’t run nearly as much or even well. Over the last few months, I’ve run more than I have in a while and haven’t lost any weight; in fact, I might have gained some I really don’t know.
Onward to December:
I don’t know where December will go on the running front. My goal is always to stay healthy. There is no chance of races in California happening anytime soon. They just canceled the Napa Valley Marathon in March. So I’ll just keep going to the track, running, on trails, and logging miles for when they do happen.
Posts from the Month:
Shoe Reviews:
Skechers GOrun 7+ Shoe Review
Hoka One One Challenger 6 Shoe Review
Hoka One One Rincon 2 Shoe Review
Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3 Shoe Review
Gear Reviews:
Sidekick Swerve Tool Review
Vital Performance Collagen Review
Articles:
5 Eco-Friendly Gifts
How much rest should you take between track intervals?
Why Do Track Workouts
Questions for you:
How was your month of running?
What is your plan for the rest of 2020?
Congratulations on finding a running routine that works for you. When you really enjoy something and get into the groove, amazing things happen without you even realizing it.