Guess what I did yesterday? I went against my better judgment and agreed to go on a run with Will!
See, Will runs three times a week, but he is not someone that is big into data, Garmin watches, or numbers of any kind while running. He clips on his iPod shuffle and heads out the door, occasionally wearing a wrist watch so he knows what time to turn around to make it back for dinner. Other than that, he is completely a “naked runner.” I admire this and enjoy running this way sometimes, but I also enjoy the numbers and data that come along with my Garmin. After all, I NEED to know if I am improving or not!
Anyway, we had talked about running together before, but had yet to make it happen. I was naturally hesitant because I am not much of a group runner. If it’s an Adventure Run at Road Runner Sports, I’m okay with it, but I typically prefer to run solo. I don’t like the pressure that comes with running alongside someone that is a different pace than myself. If I was quicker, it would be a different story, but I dread the thought of having to keep up with someone who is just cleaning my clock! However, we both wanted to fit a run in yesterday and since we were heading out the door at the same time, it seemed stupid to run separately. Besides, he always holds Tally’s leash which is awesome—no more dislocated shoulders for me! 
We chatted about paces, and he assured me that he was a snail like myself. In fact, I clearly remember the words “10-minute miler” coming from his mouth. I suspected that was a bit of an exaggeration, but I figured I could try to hang if he was running a 9:30-9:45 pace. In fact, that is really where I should be running so it would be good for me, right?
After our separate warm-ups, we ran into an open space trail system behind the house. I love running out there because it’s so beautiful and the trails are all dirt—perfect for my knees and for my soul! However, after a few minutes of jogging, I realized I was doing an awful lot of staring at Will’s back. I glanced down at my Garmin and saw a glorious 9:02 pace. Uh-oh.
I started internally rationalizing with myself. I’ve always known I have a lot more in me when it comes to running—I’m just not great at pushing that envelope to figure it out. I started telling myself that a 9:02 pace was totally fine. After all, we were only doing 4 miles. Anyone can sustain that for 4 miles!
We continued running through the field, the Will-and-Tally show causing chaos in front of me the entire time. This particular trail system is rather hilly, but we maintained our same pace while crushing all of the climbs. In fact, I glanced down at my Garmin as we neared the 2.5 mile marker and realized we had actually sped up! Now we were running at an 8:52 pace. At that moment, I made the executive decision to ignore the numbers, stare at Will’s back, and try my damnedest to keep up with him. I have a stubborn streak a mile wide and there was absolutely no way I was going to tell him to slow down for me!
We continued trucking through the field and wound our way back into the neighborhood. I knew we only had a half mile left, so I convinced myself that I would keep up with Will, regardless of how fast he went. Turns out, it was great that I managed to delude myself because Will and Tals decided to turn on the gas at that point. We cranked out the last half mile at a 7:02 pace, with the entire final mile sitting around 7:58. Um, super fast for me!
Here’s the thing that kills me though: I totally did it! Could I have maintained this speed for a 10k or half marathon? Probably not, although I hate to say never. I know that CrossFit has really been improving my running, but this quick four-miler really helped me to understand how much I underestimate my own two legs. No, I’m never going to be an age group winner, but I also don’t think I should be finishing races with the times that I do. Something to ponder for the summer lineup, I suppose!
Another lesson I learned? Never trust a man when he claims to be a “10-minute miler.” Hogwash.
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Do you mentally psyche yourself out while running? Does your Garmin mess with your head?
23 Comments
I DO!!
I tell people Ill never be a runner and it’s completely because Ive not yet found the mental tenacity.
YET.
Are you thinking of trying?!
That’s awesome!! Great job pushing yourself out of your comfort zone!
Thanks Ashley!
My head messes with me all the time – really for me, it’s my breathing. I am okay, until I start feeling a change in my breathing. Then I start to freak out!
Great run for you!! 🙂
Whoa. I’ve never seen anything under 9:00 so high five to you. Running is so mental for me. Grrrr. I found myself giggling at this because D and I are the exact same as you and Will when it comes to running. He HATES my garmin and calls in my crutch. Whenever we run together we rarely stay together but I definitely run faster than my usual pace.
Will makes fun of me all the time because of how I log my workouts, use my data, analyze my runs, etc. He thinks it’s all stupid 🙂 He also HATES it when I look at AG awards in other (less competitive) states. He always says, “Why does it matter if you place? The same time is the same time!” 🙂
Great job! I do psyche myself out while running. My XC coach used to say, “Running is 10% physical and 90% mental.” Hmmm… I don’t know where he got his #s, but I think it’s close! haha
I think those numbers are legit!
yay! so happy for you girl! what an awesome run! and yay crossfit!
That’s exactly how my boyfriend is! He claims to hate running and says he is slow. YA RIGHT. My legs want to DIE running with him!
That is so awesome that you had such a speedy run! My goal for my next race is to focus more on speed work!
I’d sure like to get speedier this summer too– ideally, I’d like a half PR in August 🙂
I love the way you wrote this!
I also really don’t like running with people. I trained for a half with my husband, who is wicked fast. He can run circles around me, and sometimes does literally! It made me really frustrated because I felt like I had to keep track of where he was, regardless. Running alone is much more freeing and relaxing to me.
That’s so awesome that you had that pace, though! Envy that!
“Another lesson I learned? Never trust a man when he claims to be a “10-minute miler.” Hogwash.”
I really laughed out loud.
I tend to run by myself too, for the same reasons. I’m a new runner and the idea of trying to keep up or forcing someone else to slow down makes me anxious. But it’s also nice to share something you love with someone, and one of my goals for this year is to go on group runs more often. Growth usually happens when we get out of our comfort zones, and you definitely proved that. Great job with the speedy paces!
I’ve been thinking of a group run for the same reasons– it would probably be so good for me!
I am just like you and see paces on my Garmin and then convince myself that I can’t run that fast and then it suddenly feels super hard and I slow down. It’s the best when you surprise yourself like that! You are definitely speedier than you think. Now I need deets on how that running pic was taken – was Will laying on the ground, or what?
Ha, my blog photos are in for a serious life upgrade now that my photographer boyfriend lives here 🙂 He just sat down on the sidewalk and snapped it, so he was a bit lower than me. He says photographers do that becuase it is more flattering for all body shapes. YES!
Rockstar performance! This situation often plays out when I try to run with my husband who is faster. Always good to get pushed out of your comfort zone. Cute skirt!
Thanks! The OR skirt was my first foray into running skirts, and I actually just bought another one tonight. I’m transitioning! 🙂
I love group running as opposed to running solo because I can never find it within myself to push the limits like I can when faced with a little competition or peer pressure. I mostly care about using my HR monitor, though, because my body can feel like it’s struggling more on some days and I can push past it if I know I have room.
Nicely done! When my husband runs with me, he makes me go pretty fast too and he almost NEVER runs. I wish he would I think he has some natural talent. Glad you and Will got in a great run and Tals too! The skirt looks cute btw
Never say never! You totally can run faster and compete for AG awards, you just have to run more miles. No matter the speed, just running more miles will change your bodies ability to handle stress while on the move and let you keep up with faster runners. I’m sure you know this, but only running will make you a better runner. I can guarantee that you’ll cut a full minute off your 5k time just by increasing total mileage by 25%. You can add this 4 mile run with Will to your weekly routine. You get the satisfaction of running with your partner and the benefit of an fast pace 4 miler. Win, win!
I didn’t start to REALLY improve until I started running with others. It forces me to push myself out of my comfort pace- both at the track and for longer runs. Otherwise I’d be running 10 min miles all the time because it’s easy and comfortable. Knowing the faster paces I need to train at to continue to improve is far scarier to me than just trying to keep up with the faster people for a couple miles. After doing that, I look down at my watch and often surprise myself with what I can do.