Extremism

Most ultra runners are extremists. I know that I have been accused of being extreme in a few different areas of my life past and present.

Traveling from 80 degree Fahrenheit weather to, no joke, sub-zero temperatures and running straight through it all (outside) would raise a few eyebrows from "normal" people. As another runner put it so nicely..."These type of workouts are character building".

It's been a little challenging making the transition back to reality but after toughing it out this weekend and battling with the voices in my head that said, "It's really cold...It's probably not wise to be out here for that long, you probably want to ease back into it and acclimatize your body, you have enough miles for the week, etc. etc., it feels nice to have persevered. I have learned that these are just rationalizations and excuses to quit that will often come in long races as well so it is beneficial to work through them. If you can it usually reaps performance benefits and feelings of personal satisfaction. I am proud that I did not submit this weekend even though I really wanted to at times!

Miles for the week: 70

Monday= Easy 5 mile run around the town of La Fortuna, CR
Tuesday= 2 x (4x800) at a 5:30/mi. pace; 80 second recovery in between intervals and 3-minute rest between sets. Performed at the base of Arenal Volcano. Very hot and humid!
Wednesday= Rest/Travel back to Newark,NJ and freezing cold Ithaca!
Thursday=Easy 6 miles down Warren Rd. and back
Friday= Easy 6 miles in morning running to Varna Auto Service to get my car; Up tempo 8 miles (about 6:30/mi. pace) at night behind airport (because I was freezing!)
Saturday= Gun Hill Repeats w/ Michael W. (450 steep feet in .85 of a mile)-- We did 6 repeats then added on some mileage on rec-way trail for a total of 17.5 miles
Sunday= 19.5 miles from Finger Lakes Running Company around Stewart Park, Fall Creek, downtown, out towards Buttermilk- 13A to Cass Park (double loop) w/ downtown/Fall Creek add-on! whew!= Toast! Ready for a rest!

A very tough weekend indeed! Not to mention catering a wedding for 11 hours on Saturday after that hard workout. Time to get back to business and ready for another semester of school starting in a couple days. Happy Running!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "Top results are reached only through pain. But eventually you like this pain. You'll find the more difficulties you have on the way, the more you will enjoy your success."---Juha "The Cruel" Vaatainen