Hi Friends, Allie here!

I write this blog with tired legs and a happy heart; it must mean my mileage is increasing. As we continue to be stuck inside, enraged about inequality and racial injustices, and I continue to sit through Zoom classes at Duke, I wanted to set my eyes on a running goal to help me stay sane and motivated during these trying times. I talked to my coach, Stephen Furst, and we discussed time trials and relay races but neither of those really caught my attention (even though these are still on the schedule for the coming weeks). As I reflected on what my goals are, I remembered that I have always wanted to run a 100-mile week. Let me add here that I have been averaging roughly 65 miles a week. I told him my goal and instead he thought it would be a great challenge to break my current 85 miles-in-one-week PR, rather than specifically 100 miles. If the process seemed successful and beneficial, we could shoot for 100 miles, but did not want to push anything that could possibly cause injury or not be useful in the training cycle.

So as one does with goals, we made a plan, we adjusted our training cycle to increase mileage, and then we said, “let’s go for it.” We started by increasing a few miles here and there, adding in more doubles which adds a lot of mileage and helps me relieve some stress from sitting inside all day. We also talked about the fact that this is going to require investing more of myself into the process, ensuring that I take care of my body and my nutrition to recover properly.

As the mileage went up, I became more diligent and dedicated to planning out my days to ensure my mileage was included. In the first three weeks I went from 68 miles to 76 miles to 84 miles. My legs were tired, but I felt great with the added time in the fresh air and enjoyed time to reflect and log off from social media. While some days were very hard to get out the door at 6:00 AM, after a few miles of getting in the groove it was always worth it. I then took a down week to help my body recover and now it is the week to attempt my goal of running the highest mileage week of my life! It is also important to note that some of my runs have been slightly slower than normal because of this increase, but I am totally okay with that. This has actually helped me relax into running more. I take the pressure off of myself to hit times, because that is not the point right now. I enjoy the nature that I’m in and most of my easy days I don’t even look at my watch.

The week has come, and I am ready to attack it (with all of your support and cheers from afar)!

So, as I embark on this goal of mine, I am curious about your goals. How have you stayed motivated? What goals do you have within running and in life? Do you have any tips for me as I continue to build and challenge myself? Please reach out and let me know!

Love,

Allie T

Going the Extra Mile(s)