A Prudent Runner
August 10th, 2010
Tuesdays are my favorite day of the week. Why? Because I can sleep in past 8 am. I don’t even do that on weekends! 
The prudent runner, especially in the summer, would get up at a normal time and log their miles, instead of waiting until after work, when it’s 90 degrees and humid, and thinking, “I don’t really need to run today”.
Clearly I am not a prudent runner.
My motivation is drained by the summer heat. I hate running in such weather. As much as I despise winter, I love to run when it’s cold. My coldest run logged was 10 miles in –6 degree temperatures. Crazy, right? What’s even crazier is that I wasn’t training for anything and I just did it for the heck of it. One of my best runs ever. 
So back to that prudent runner idea…this upcoming half that I have been stressing about.
A prudent runner would take into consideration the following things:
- A lack of training
- Hatred of hot weather running
- Minimal Motivation
- Imminent race date
A prudent runner would say forget the half. But as I mentioned before, I am not a prudent runner. Maybe it’s pride, or presumption, but I am excited about this fast course. I want to see what I do on it… especially since I finally feel like I’m gaining my speed back since my stress fracture last year.
I think I’m going to run it. Or at least aim to run it. Jill directed me to a Runner’s World article about prepping for a race in 4 weeks. FOUR WEEKS! It’s like they wrote it just for me!
Here’s what the weekly long runs will look like (my week day runs will remain pretty much the same):
8/14: 7-8 miles
8/21: 8-9 miles
8/28: 9-11 miles
9/4: 7-8 miles
9/11: Race Day!
The thing about training for a half in four weeks is that there is very little room for error. So if I don’t get my motivation in check this week, I’ll probably have to can the idea of racing this one. 
Now, Runner’s World, can you please drop the temperature about 60 degrees? That’s be perfect, thanks.
With that being said, training starts tomorrow. 
What’s your motivation for working out? Racing, keeping in shape, eating goodies?
I run to clear my head primarily, I also love to train for things. I really, really, really try not to run because of food consumed or outward appearances. I don’t think that it shows a healthy relationship with exercise, food, or body image. But I can’t deny that sometimes it is a good motivator, unfortunately!
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I understand how you feel. Completely.
I run to clear my head (and eat lots of cookies). However, I feel like running for me is a vicious cycle. I need to do it the most when I am stressed – yet when I am stressed, it is hard to make time to run. Repeat. Again and again.
I know EXACTLY what you are talking about! I think every runner needs a mandatory “running time”. It should be law!
I’m 27 wks preggo and still running – I do it for my mental health. Despite my hips & back killing me I know that depression will rear it’s very ugly head again if I give up my running. Though soon I may have to succumb to power walking.
You are my hero! When I’m pregnant I hope to still be running!!! I would be miserable if I don’t!
I run to clear my head as well – I am a nicer, calmer person on a day when run in the morning. I’m not sure what that says about me…
My motivation comes from the desire to utilize my body everyday – if not running, then maybe yoga..and not even an hour or 90 minute session but maybe just 20 minutes of time with myself – unplugged and away from distraction. But I am with you on running in the heat – it’s been brutal down here in Texas.
I love this post – I excited to follow along with your 4-week plan!
Thanks, Dorry!
Running makes me nicer for sure.. but not in the morning. I would rather run at midnight than 5 am. But I’m not a morning person AT ALL. I’m total grouch even with 8 + hours of sleep.
I’m not a prudent runner either, I have to leave the house at 7 AM and I’m just not enough of a morning person to get up at 4:30 AM to run. Haven’t run in the cold yet, but looking forward to it this winter. Exercising, blowing off steam, reaching new goals, and clearing my head are a few motivations for working out.
EXACTLY. I will set my alarm for 5 am, and when it goes off, it is just NOT worth it to get out of bed.
Hi love. We are SO similar. I don’t think I’ve run in negative temps, but if the sun is out [which is is ALL the time in the winter in CO] running when it’s in the low 30′s is not a problem…dare I say, it feels warm! haha My preferred running temps are probably in the 50′s. That plan sounds great. You will excel!
Thanks, friend! I should come to CO and run with you.. barefoot!
Haha I’m not a prudent runner AT ALL. I convince myself I’m not going to run, or that I’m just going to run a short four miles or something. I don’t wake up early enough to beat the heat (9am is EARLY for me), so I usually run somewhere between 10am-1pm, when it’s SUPER HOT. I was going to go short today, but I ended up running 8 miles starting at 11:45…brilliant.
This past winter, I think I determined I run best when it’s about 30-35 degrees. Not that I’m ready for those temps now…
You’re better than me! I would not be able to do 8 miles in that heat. I’d run two then say “forget it!”
Running settles me down, relaxes me. Running is the heat is slightly less relaxing. I am training for my first marathon and the humidity is driving me insane. I feel like I’m running underwater. Good luck with the training. You will do it!
Humidity is the worst! Good luck with your training!! I can’t imagine training for a full marathon in the heat. I’ll stick with spring ones!
I’m not a prudent runner either. I usually end up taking a break from running all summer because I can’t take the heat and humidity. Then I pick back up around September. I’m not a fan of the treadmill, but since the doctor cleared me to run I’m trying to make myself enjoy it.
I know the feeling!! I hate the treadmill, but when I was coming back from my stress fracture, I had to use it!
seriously, I’ve done a 4 week plan no prob. You can do it!! You need to get up early and run 30 minutes, then run after work another 30minute. That will make you strong!! Souble runs are tough but will help in the long run, haha , no pun intended.
Will you make sure I’m up in the morning (please???)
I run/workout to feel good, to clear my head and to feel endorphins. You can do the race in 4 weeks!
MMMM endorphins! Love those, too!
Are you training for the Montour Half? You can beat the heat! I am bad with training plans and the like, but I love doing races.
Yes! Are you running it?!
I hate running in this heat too. HATE! But like you, I’d probably still run it
LOL! I don’t run in it as much as I should!
I love to run. But, this year I have started in incorporate biking and swimming also. I use my workout as social time if I can find someone to workout with. I also use it as a time to really think about how things are going. I hate running in the heat but I am going to have to start getting up early to break from this heat!
I hate getting up early! I need to become a member of a gym with a pool…that is an excellent workout!
Good luck with your 4-week training. I have faith in you.
Aw thanks! I need to get some faith in myself!
Good for you!! It’s going to be super hot for our 1/2 too
I definitely prefer spring races!!! What am I thinking!?!
I’m glad you are getting back on track!
The temps definitely aren’t very motivating to run in when it is hot!
I stay motivated with races. I’m feeling a little burnt out right now, but I really need to get it together soon since my half ironman is in about a month! EEk!
You’re going to do great in your half ironman!! You are amazing!
I’m running a race in four weeks too and I try to not think about it and just follow the “plan” which is pretty similar to yours.
I run to challenge myself, to unwind, to be strong, to let my mind have a break
I’m really trying not to think about it, but in reality I am thinking about it constantly! It’s stressing me out. This is not good!
Sorry I’ve been MIA in the comments lately…I blame catch up from BlogHer.
I hear you on this weather. I am so over it and want to have temps that I can stand again. Come on fall!
Gosh. I know. I never thought I would be excited for summer to end. I’m getting old!
Hey girlie!!
there are no rules to running, as long as you think you can, you WILL!!! and I definitely think you’ve got this half! you can do it chica! make sure you ice, stretch, refuel, and stay motivated!
I love training(running) to RACE, and I love pushing each workout to try and make it better than the last(which isn’t always a good thing!)
GOODLUCK in your prep! I’m so excited for you!
xoxo!
Thanks, Lizzy!! It’s good to hear from you again. I have missed you and your energy