Merry New Year everyone, where does the time go?
Sorry it's been over a month since my last post but I really can't say that I've really had the time, much less the motivation to write. Since I've committed to getting to bed early in order to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, something had to be sacrificed and that something is blogging. Well, that and I'm lazy.
So what does that mean as far as where I'm at going into 2016?
For starters, I've continued the experiment to not run strictly by MAF which I started back in October. This seemed to be working out ok and was further reinforced after taking some time off due to a rolled ankle. After sitting out a week, I decided to forgo any tech and just run naked and by feel. I'm back to using the gadgets now but not relying on them to dictate the runs as much. I'm letting my body do that and thus far, things have been going well.
One other addition to my runs is that I'm bringing along the iPod again on long runs. Running is just more enjoyable with music and it helps relieve some of the mental stress when the miles get tough. I've found that I'm now able to detach from the music to focus on breathing and form while having something to calm my head.
Finally, we have also have introduced some carbs into the diet, particularly for dinner on days before a long run. While being fully fat adapted is a nice goal, at this stage of the game I've also realized that anything in moderation is fine as long as it does not adversely affect you. Having experimented I have found that I am not insulin resistant so the need to completely restrict carbs is not there.
Because of these things, I'm going into 2016 stronger than ever. I run best when I just run and by eliminating the over thinking as well as forcing it to be something it is not, my body is perfectly content with doing what it does best; run. I've put together some quality long runs of over 2 hours with out feeling any bonk. Some of this can be attributed to my continued fueling with UCAN and ENERGYbits too.
As I venture into 2016 healthy, albeit with some minor aches, and less stressed out over my running, I'm looking for an improvement over the 1320 miles that I logged in 2015. While my goals for this year remain the same; a BQ and a sub-1:30 half, I'm going to try not to obsess over them as much. Sure I would love to accomplish them but I'd rather just enjoy running more. I also would like to incorporate more consistent strength training into my routine. I notice that when I do make the commitment to this, I run better.
In closing, I'd like to thank everyone for all of the support that you have given me throughout the past year. Honestly I don't think I'd be anywhere near the runner I am if it wasn't for the wonderful running community. There are days that I just don't feel like hitting the road but you my friends provide the incentive for which I am also thankful for.
So there you have it and are caught up as to where I'm at. Remember, don't think, just run.
