Yesterday, I enjoyed a wonderful 12 mile run with Bo and some terrific running friends.

After enjoying our normal pre-run fuel, we were out the door heading towards the Hudson by 7:05.

Our plan was to run 12 miles along the Hudson River, hopefully running into Ellen and Dori along the way.

Unlike most of my runs lately, the Hudson River breeze and lower temperatures made the run far more enjoyable. Having Bo by my side was a welcome treat that I’ll miss once his pace is back to where it was pre-injury. One of our favorite things to do while running is people watch. We immediately hit each other when we want the other to see an adorable dog, an awkward person, or some other interesting diversion.

Around mile 6 we saw three friendly faces running towards us: Jes, Dori, and Ellen! It was wonderful to catch up with them and watch the miles clock by as we heard about Dori’s new job, Ellen’s world as a teacher who works with 100% Spanish students, and life in general. It never ceases to amaze me how much easier running is with a group. Jes had wonderful pace goals in mind and therefore sped off after a mile with Bo, during which they kept close to an 8:30 pace! It was amazing to watch their speed and form as they sprinted ahead of us.

As we came upon the 10 mile mark, we parted ways as they were heading back towards Columbus Circle.

Bo and I continued up the Hudson River path for the next 2 miles, doing our best to maintain our pace. The views reminded me why I love doing training runs on the West Side. It’s easy to just zone out and run along the flat path which includes views of Lady Liberty, Freedom Center, New Jersey, USS Intrepid, and George Washington Bridge as you continue north.  
We hit the 12 mile mark around 92nd Street and were proud of keep an average pace 10:10 pace during the run even though we both spent at least half the time talking with either each other or Dori and Ellen. This is something that’s always been tough for me but the longer I run the easier it gets.

We now have successfully followed month one of our Marathon Training Plan!

Unfortunately, my long run euphoria only lasted a few hours at which point I saw the following tweets:

I have a workout confession.

By the time I woke up this morning, I was on the verge of depression when I thought about yesterday’s run. There are a number of us training for the New York City Marathon and every weekend it’s great to talk about long runs, normally motivating each other to get out there early and enjoy the road.

However, this morning all I could do was focus on the fact that most people had done 14 or 15 miles this weekend versus the 12 on my plan.

Why didn’t I push myself harder? I should have done 14 when I heard Dori was doing that distance. Why isn’t my pace as fast as their pace. What if no one is there to run with me during the Healthy Living Summit long run? Why did I organize it when I’m the slowest runner?

I started talking about these thoughts and emotions with Bo this morning. Luckily, he helped me gain some clarity. While these emotions are normal, they can negatively affect my training more than any injury ever could. Five years ago, I couldn’t imagine running a mile. I wasn’t born a runner nor was I an athlete growing up. I’ve already accomplished so much more than I ever thought possible.

In addition, he reminded me of where I was a year ago.

• My Staten Island Half Marathon recap was titled “Someone Else’s Legs” because I felt so fast- keeping a 10:26 pace in the half marathon.
• My horrible Marathon Tune Up run was finished at a 12:21 pace.
• Many of my training runs last year were closer to an 11 minute pace.
• I ran the my first marathon  at 11:42 split.

This is my second time training for a marathon so I won’t have the same PDR feelings that I had last year. Instead, I need to remember how far I’ve come and how much I benefitted from a few months of speed training this winter.

There will always be people out there who are faster and can run farther. But, this fact shouldn’t take anything away from the great run I had yesterday.  After all, it was exactly the distance and time that my coach had prescribed. I can’t change the past and the choices I made; I can only change the future. In order to enjoy runs, something that is supposed to be stress relieving, cathartic, and enjoyable, I need to remember to run my own run each day, make reasonable goals and compete only against myself. After all, health and wellness go much further than just the physical. To truly live a balanced life, one must be fit and content both physically and mentally.