I'm Back (Sorta)

I'm back to running...sorta...at least more than I have been in the last 4 weeks.  It's been a struggle balancing work, vacation, and running over the last month.  Running has taken a back seat to everything else.  Plus, it's been hot and humid around central Illinois--which makes it easy to skip runs. I feel tired all the time anyway...and the heat doesn't help. I'm at the tail-end of a cold that I caught in Greece. If I can finally get healthy, things will turn around and I'll become more optimistic.

Now that July is here, I'm re-dedicating myself to daily running.  Even if it's slow, or short, I'll get out every single day and do some running. I only have 40 days until the 8-Hour Howl at the Moon race. Not sure 40 days is enough to get back into shape.  I think I can be fit again in 6 weeks, but not "ultra running fit"--not sure what that means for my race.  There is virtually no way I can achieve my 50 mile goal in 8 hours...even if the heat and humidity break. I already have 469 "lifetime" Howl race miles...only 31 more to break 500!  That is my new goal.  It is realistic and still a reasonable accomplishment (50km or more seems laudable no matter what the race). My worst year at Howl, I completed 33 miles. Unless this year is a new low, I'll knock out 31+ miles.

With the summer heat, I plan on slogging through miles every day. One step at a time. Those miles will eventually add up to significant totals. In my dreams, I plan on 7 miles in the morning and 3 in the evening.  10 miles per day, everyday. That's good for me. In reality, it'll likely be 7 miles/day for a total of 49-50 miles per week.  Still OK. I'm tired, but I can still dream. The turtle is my new mascot. Slow and steady wins the race...or at least covers some steady ground.