Rolling into week 8 I have the need to log a lot of miles. This is my last week in North Carolina before I hit the road for a little while. My last week of controlling my schedule and getting done what must be done in order to be ready to toe the line on November 6th.
I’ve said this to my morning running group on many occasions. “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable” That’s what this week is about. Pushing myself and staying out of the comfort zone. Growth happens in that zone of being uncomfortable. Good stress on the body and mind lead to adaptation and improved performance and resiliency. It’s time to push a little more and go a little further.
This week there are multiple “double down” days with runs in the morning and again in the evening. I am also “stacking” or stringing together multiple hard runs in order to get used to running on tired legs and a sore body. Keeping my body mechanics sound and efficient will reduce the torque on my back and the wear on my knees and shoulders. The goal is to increase volume while maintaining good running posture and form.
As long as I’m healthy and not feeling any pain I will continue to add miles to the weekly program.
Mentally and emotionally I am preparing this week for the coming 5 weeks where I will be conducting most of my runs solo. I will attempt to find a run club at my next locations but nothing is for certain. Really, I will not be running with my club which has been a serious support structure in my training thus far. But alas, I must move into being uncomfortable and become familiar with operating in that space.