Good morning everyone \u2014 <\/p>\n
Not every run can be your best. And I didn\u2019t have my best run on Sunday.<\/p>\n
I woke up tired, legs pretty sore from a Friday workout, and I had a frustrating headache. The warmup felt rough and then I set out wondering how I\u2019m gonna get through this.<\/p>\n
Two miles into the run and I wanted to turn around. I pulled up next to the tidal basin, gave myself a little pep talk, and kept on going. I didn\u2019t feel much better but the miles ticked along.<\/p>\n
Just keep plucking along, I told myself.<\/p>\n
Mile by mile passed. And then I suddenly found myself on my way back home by the beach volleyball courts. I stopped by the water fountain, refilled my water bottle (which I hate), found a nice hose and sprayed myself down before continuing the final stretch.<\/p>\n
All this is to say, Sunday was a rough day of running. But I still ran 10 miles, although at a much slower pace than usual. Still, 10 miles is 10 miles.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also these kinds of runs that I like to call \u201cCharacter-building runs\u201d – they might not necessarily be the biggest gains or the ones that help you unlock a new speed, but it develops the mentality that is required for long-distance running. You\u2019re going to struggle at some point, and this helps out.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve had a good amount of these character-building runs this summer which led me to opt out of a marathon this fall. There was real intent there, but I don\u2019t think I have the mentality to endure another 16 weeks of training.<\/p>\n
So I\u2019m now officially #RunningForFun. I can still run – I still do! Five days a week even (and a gym day Fridays). My mileage is decent to where 8-10 miles is not that difficult (today being an exception). And if I want to run a random 16-miler, then why not?<\/p>\n
Glad tidings on all your running journeys.<\/p>\n
Fitzie\u2019s track of the day: Hog Callin\u2019 Blues, by Charles Mingus<\/p>\n
Alasdair Gold<\/a>: \u201cMateus Fernandes reacts to social media storm over Tottenham injury\u201d<\/p>\n The Athletic ($$)<\/a>: \u201cInside Tottenham\u2019s 2026 tour: A Maori welcome, new bonds, and a sighting of a \u2018precious diamond\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n