I set out to run my easy twenty minute recovery run this afternoon. I picked my favorite two+ mile route at the oceanfront: rudee inlet to the pier taking the alternative route back. I put on my garmin just to keep my running log up to date.
Slow and easy was my plan. I wanted to tune into my body to see if I felt any imbalances from the race on Sunday. I ran comfortable. I ran happy. My watch beeped just past the pier to let me know mile one was done. I looked down for the first time, and I thought my watch was broken.
7:51
I put on the breaks and slowed down. This was supposed to be an easy run. Every time I slowed down, my legs pulled me forward. I took inventory. Nothing hurt. I wasn’t breathing heavy. My legs felt great. I needed to trust my body.
8:26
I was still feeling great after mile two so I let my legs lead the way for the rest of the run. I finished the run at a 7:48 pace. I finished feeling like I could keep going. I finished, and my legs felt better than when I started.
I was very hesitant about my running before Sunday’s race. I was nervous about my injury. I was nervous about my lack of miles. I was worried I had lost what little speed I had left.
I’m not nervous anymore. I’m ready. I’m excited. I’m ready to tackle hard runs and longer miles. I’m ready to see what I’m capable of achieving this spring in my next two races, the Cherry Blossom 10-miler and the Flying Pirate half marathon.
It’s time to be brave. I’m ready to push out of my comfort zone. It just took a solid half marathon and a surprise speedy run to help me change gears!
Hello spring training!
Kristy Maute 
Nice work Kristy! Can’t wait to follow along and see how you do when you’re primed for your next race. 🙂
I cannot wait to see where your training goes in the Spring. Are you training for anything specific yet?
I have the Cherry Blossom 10 miler in 3 weeks and flying pirate half in the outer banks in may! I am sticking with half marathons this year to try to get fast!