My Kind of Fun!
by Clara Grandt on February 20, 2012
These past few weeks have been a completely different post-marathon experience than Boston. After Boston, I tried to tell myself I was recovering just fine, but I wasn’t. I was physically broken down and mentally exhausted. This time, I’m eager and ready to take on new goals and improve. I have been looking forward to these new goals since I crossed the finish line in Houston. I did take time off, but since I’ve started up again, I’ve felt more like I’m building on something instead of rebuilding.
With my body and mind in a good place, Sean (my coach) and I have discussed some new goals. The truth is, I lack the quick track times that the others ahead of me in the marathon have accomplished, and we both felt this is something that needs to be given some attention for ultimate success. My strength in long workouts and long runs have always been something I’ve felt very good about and even improved on in the build up to the Trials. Therefore, feeling like I am coming off a great “base,” I am thrilled to attack my weaknesses and bring them up to par.
I have already seen the track a few times in the past few weeks, and it’s been fun! I’ve had company during my workouts, which has been a nice change from all the long lone tempos and long runs I’ve done by myself. I really enjoy those, but having company really can help bring things up a notch at times.
Recently, as an introductory track workout, I paired up with one of my former WVU teammates and Riadha teammate, Karly Hamric, who focuses mainly on the mile. It’s really hard to find two distance runners more contrasting than Karly and I, so this was a fun workout for Sean to watch. We did cut down 1200’s, which challenged me with the speed toward the end, and challenged Karly with the total volume. We both walked away with it very pleased, and it was a lot of fun to get to run with my college freshman roommate.
However, I have a feeling “fun” will soon have to leave the description of these workouts. If I’m going to get faster, I’m sure I’ll be using adjectives more like “grueling”, “punishing”, and “gut-wrenching” to try to explain the experiences I’ll have in the upcoming months. As Sean put it, “You’ll have to see God a few times in some of those workouts.” If that’s what it’s going to take, I’m looking forward to a holy experience.
-Clara
