This morning we had a 20K run scheduled. Being close to the end of this current training cycle, our distances are pretty much close to the race distance. I was aware that it would take a large amount of time to get through, but I didn’t mind; part of me treats these long runs as something of a badge of honour. I’ve worked hard to get to this point, so I’m privileged to have the ability to run this distance, know what I mean?

Well, as we set out, I immediately knew that I was feeling a tiny bit off. Perhaps I was a little bit uneasy at having to cover the distance. It’s been months since I’ve had to do it. The people that I’d normally run with pulled up a little bit ahead of me. I was originally planning on pushing a little bit hard to keep up, but I changed my mind. I fell back to the group behind me and declared that I planned on taking it easy. And that’s how it went for the first few kilometres.

A bit past 8K, I started talking with one of the store’s running veterans. Absent-mindedly, we started pulling ahead of the rest of the group. Minutes later we were a good distance ahead. I was assessing how I felt, and I actually felt somewhat comfortable. Though, I knew that I was pushing myself just to keep up. I figured I’d just keep it up for the next little while to see what I could do. That continued on for another eight kilometres. There were a couple of moments where we really were going absurdly fast for a training Sunday. I keep on telling the people in my class that our Sunday runs should be at a relaxed pace. This morning’s run had me ignoring my own advice. I know, that’s really bad of me, isn’t it?

At around the 16K mark the person I was running with had to turn around and head back early. So, I was left on my own to complete the distance. Without her to keep me going, I actually decided to take the pressure off myself and slow down to a more manageable pace. That’s how I completed my 20K. Overall I felt great about the whole thing. Having pushed myself a little harder than I normally would, I know that if there’s a need to burst forward for a little bit on race day, I can manage.

Yes, the race is still weeks away, but I am having a good feeling about it even now. Ready to rock it.