So let's jump in with both feet into June to see how I did!
#nofilter dairy free comparison - tummy to come later
My Body and MindFor most of June I was plagued with tummy issues. These had started in May and were persisting. With ongoing tests coming out clean I opted to try a dairy free diet for 14 days. Within days I was hooked! My body is feeling so much better without that dairy element. And the 2-3 times I accidentally ingested dairy only confirmed I am on the right path. So no dairy for me. For the most part, I don't miss it much but sometimes, like today, I miss the idea of a nice hot coffee with hazelnut cream. The reality of it would not be pleasant and I realize that now. And I like how my eyes have brightened up too!
Mentally I am doing great too! I busted out a 21 mile run split between two treadmills (and yes, techically that was in July but it supports where I am mentally) and defied all obstacles that in a previous life might have made me back down. I do prefer to run my longer runs outside on the roads for the training benefit of running on harsh concrete but in all reality, I realize that the mental edge I am gaining doing long runs on the treadmill can't be overlooked either. And please note, my training goal was 18-20 miles and I did tack on another mile to compensate a wee bit for the "easy" treadmill run. Trust me, running in place is never really easy!
I am feeling good about myself and how my body is adjusting to this training cycle. I am seeing positive benefits and am staying in alignment the best I have for quite awhile. Perhaps learning that a certain pair of running shoes wasn't ideal for me is paying off - and yes, I was already decreasing my time in these shoes since they didn't just didn't feel right. Thank goodness for a virtual custom fit analysis at Kindrunner to confirm what my heart was telling me. And I can't wait to get my toes into the shoes Joe recommended for my long runs!
As much as I would have wanted 175+ miles in June I ended up with 157 miles. In all reality, I shouldn't complain. It seems I caught a nasty bug that slowed me down but didn't knock me down like others I know. Poor dear hubby. I am at 891 miles for 2013 and have 2,359 running streak miles. June 30th marked day 549 of my running streak. I averaged 36.63 miles a week in June bringing my 2013 weekly average down to 33.35 miles a week. I am feeling like my 2,013 miles in 2013 goal may be slipping through my fingers but I am not backing down and giving up. I refuse to give up. I will continue to do my best!
In June I grew my tempo run to 6 miles (8'20" pace) before incorporating some speedwork. I am working on mile repeats and my first interval run this session was on the 25th. I did three mile repeats at a 8'00" pace.
You know I already did one 21 mile run but I am hoping to do a couple of 16-18 mile long runs in July. If I get 20 miles squeezed in it would be a blessing but my next scheduled 20 miler is on August 11th. There are good reasons for this that extend beyond just my personal running goals.
It would be lovely if I break 2,500 streak miles in July. That should be completely doable because all I will need to do is run greater than 141 miles in July. With what I have been doing, it is possible. But the question is, will I be able to pull it off while spending more time with my extended family? Only time will tell!
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for the 157 miles I ran in June.
Daily Affirmation: I am a strong, beautiful woman.
