Transitions

Chicago Winter - 1, Josh - 0

While it wasn't that cold, winter completely killed any training regimen I hoped to be on. Between that, recruiting, and some personal issues with my friend Julie as well as some lady drama, my head just wasn't in it. I still managed to hover around 20-25 miles per week, but that was only good enough to keep my weight just over 200 lbs. Also, there aren't any races in Chicago during the winter, so I really had nothing to be motivated for. It all culminated with a crazy week in Cabo, where I ran once, and had fun the rest of the time. Plus the fear of being shot while off the property was enough to keep me from going rogue. I returned from Cabo feeling more out of shape than at any point in the last several years. With five weeks to get ready for the Nashville 1/2, I finally found some motivation to string some legitimate training together.

Fast-forward five weeks and I'm on pace for my 5th consecutive 45-mile week heading into my race this weekend. It's warm enough for me to hit the track after my Tuesday morning class so I've been logging some serious track workouts. Last Thursday I banged out a 1600, 4x800 workout in 4:49, 2:24, 2:21, 2:20, 2:19-very encouraging to be entirely under 4:50 pace for the workout. On Sunday, I hit the roads for a 2x2mile (11:05, 11:04), and yesterday tuned up for the race with 1600, 3x800 (5:00, 2:28, 2:25, 2:22) followed by some soccer (scored 3 goals!, strained glute-feeling better).

The other motivation for getting the miles up are the recent developments in my personal life. A couple weeks ago I decided to end my two-year relationship (long-distance is tough). Two things have helped me get through this: my friends/family (who have been amazing), and running. I often do my best thinking while running, but sometimes it's also my greatest release. The weekend after my break-up I ran 21 (fast) miles and barely felt it. Running became an hour-long meditation. Any time I felt stressed or sad I hit the pavement, and each time my runner's high lifted my spirits. This release has really fueled me over the past couple weeks and my fitness is at another level because of it. I don't need to use running as an outlet anymore, but in times like these I'm grateful it's a part of who I am.

I'm still not physically where I'd like to be, but I'm on my way back. I'm going to lose most of my fitness when I start my internship at Credit Suisse, but I'll do my best to get long runs in on the weekends. The New York City Marathon awaits in November. I'll blog a bit more frequently too.