You can have my speed, but not my confidence

This “summer” has been miserably hot. I say “summer” because it’s been scorching since April.

I’ve made no secret about how it’s affected my running. I've failed at long runs, ran crappy races and got burnt out.

The worst part was the self-doubt. How could I ever run a marathon- never less qualify for Boston- when I couldn’t hit my goal race pace on a short run and did all of my speedwork on the treadmill? 

A week and a half ago, my confidence returned. I ran a great 14 miles with Becky and Lauren. Then I ran 18 miles by myself and felt like a superstar.

Did I just finally get acclimatized to the heat of summer? (acclimatization or getting used to new weather conditions takes about 7 to 10 days- source).

Ha no. I just ran in much cooler conditions. At the start of both of these long runs the temperature was in the 50’s. Pure bliss.

But that small taste of Fall was such a tease...

I’m now home in the HOT south. I fully expected that I’d need to get re-acclimatized to the heat again.

Thankfully, Caitlin and Emily welcomed me to join them for the last few miles of their 15 miler the day after I returned home.

(Picture from Caitlin)

I knew this run was going to be tough as soon as I talked to Emily. She said it was “only” 75 degrees when they started. It’s amazing how much your perception changes. A few weeks ago, I’d do anything to run in cool 75 degree weather, but now I was dreading the heat of 75 degrees.

The company on the run was wonderful. But I felt hot and sluggish, and complained more about my 5 miles than these awesome chicks did during their 15 miles. I needed extra liquids for the rest of the day and a long nap.

I thought one run was all I needed to get used to the heat again since I’d been running in it all summer. So I set out for an untimed, "easy" 6 miles today at noon. I wanted to push myself to run well and finish without walk breaks. Silly girl…

Suffering around mile 4.

But then it hit me: It's ok to have a bad 6 miler. It certainly won’t impact my marathon training. I ran the most amazing 18 miles a few days ago. And a strong 18 miler > a good 6 miler in my opinion.

In fact, I’ve had horrible runs like this all summer. Walk breaks have become the norm. But obviously it doesn’t matter.

The summer can temporarily take my speed, but it can no longer have my confidence.

I proved to myself that as soon as I ran in more comfortable conditions, I ran well. My speed returned and the walk breaks didn’t. Summer running has not been fun, but it’s not hurting my training.

This goes for you too I promise you will see a vast improvement in your runs once the weather gets cooler. Don’t lose confidence; there is hope!

This week will be a step-back week in marathon training. No speedwork, no long run, no timed runs. I need to get used to the heat again without putting pressure on myself. I also want to reconnect with the pool, bike and yoga studio.

I’m also crossing my fingers that we have an early Fall

Are you sad to see Summer go? I'm torn. I'll miss the long daylight hours.  But I'm pumped for cooler temps, football and baked goods made with pumpkin

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