I seem to get sucked in to these races that I’ve been a part of for years even when I’m not supposed to be racing! This past weekend I was scheduled for 8 miles as part of my condensed marathon training plan, but ended up racing in Sayville Running Company’s Race to Cure Cystic Fibrosis 4 miler on Saturday.

The race was pretty awesome, and I’m glad I ran it–just one short year ago I was at this race on my daughter’s due date watching my husband race it!

Can you believe it?? What a difference a year makes…and that’s part of the reason why I end up doing these races. Not because I necessarily want to race, but so many of them hold special memories.
Anyway, this year’s race went well. I was only slightly sore from my barefoot running escapade at Thursday’s track workout (more to follow this week) and I was able to hold a 7:30 pace for 3 miles. The only reason I broke 30 was because I was in an all out sprint to do it (there is a super ugly finish line picture posted in a closed Facebook Group that I will never release to the public!). It was worth it though! I ended up second in my age group and took home a cute little wine glass after the torrential downpours stopped and they were able to do awards. I have to admit it was kind of fun being crammed under a gazebo with all my favorite runner friends, drinking mimosas waiting for the storm to pass!
So the very next day I set out for a 10 mile run–my longest run in a long time–in what felt like some of the hottest weather we’ve had in a while. I ran downhill 1.8 miles to meet my running group. We ran our 6.2 mile Selden Hills course and then I ran uphill 1.8 miles home. I wish it were as easy as it just sounded, but the heat was oppressive and there were times where I felt like I wasn’t even moving.
As difficult as this run was, there were three things that kept me going:
1. I’m getting in some awesome training right now
2. Just take it one hill at a time
3. At least I’m not the Iron Cowboy
I’m definitely looking forward to some recovery early this week, but I’m very happy with where my marathon training is!
Is it oppressively hot where you are too?
How was your weekend?? I really want to know!
Linking up with Running N Reading for the Weekend Update!
I tend to get sucked into things as well but I am doing better saying no-Lol. One hill at a time is a great motto. Hope you have an amazing week!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Summer “Squiche”
Thanks Deborah! You too!
Oh my gosh- way to rock that race! This weather has been SO STICKY! I don’t like heat and am not a fan of the humidity…definitely hard conditions to run in!
Annmarie recently posted…Meatless Monday: Gluten, Dairy + Soy Free Fit Foodie Finds
Thanks! Yeah, I felt like I was running in quicksand in the middle of a desert! But then I read about all these places that were way hotter, so I’ll try not to complain too much 🙂
Great job in that race! It’s been pretty hot here in Baltimore. Today we have a heat advisory so I made it a cross-training day and stayed inside! Those are some great thoughts to keep you going:)
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Weekly Recap And A New Trail
Thanks Lisa! Today is unbearable…definitely keeping the cross training inside!
Great job, Michelle! We are definitely experiencing some tough weather here, too; I keep hoping that it will make fall training easier…I certainly think we’ll deserve it, right? 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up with the blog; hope your Monday goes well!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Weekend Update
Thanks Tara! Yes, we will appreciate the cooler weather even more!
Nice work on the race. Neat to see the sequence of photos from 1 year ago to the present. It has been really hot here as well. like, ugh. I competed in a triathlon and was 2nd to last start wave (8:30) so by the time I got off the bike it was very hot, humid, and sunny for the run. No bueno!
Kelli recently posted…Would you eat a pint of ice cream in a 5K?
Thanks! It’s so tough being in a late wave like that…it must’ve been brutal! Great job!
I love your condensed training plan! My coach has me do low miles and lots of cross training because those high mileage plans are too hard on my body. I had great success with her plan last year. Anyways, sounds like you had a great race and run, in spite of the heat!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…And so it begins…
Thanks Wendy!
Very nice Michelle! I hadn’t seen this before.
Thanks!
One hill at a time sounds like a great mantra! I will remember that one when I run in Atlanta this fall, it is pretty flat where I live! and hot too. I don’t think I would mind being sucked in to a race that serves mimosas! YUM! Have a great week!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Summer- Caprese style!
Thanks! Have a great week too!