This morning’s long run was a real treat! Not only was I accompanied by my girl KKD, but also another member of our running group, SC.  Like KKD, SC is a both strong runner and a talkative friend.  The 6 miles we logged together were merely a backdrop for catching up on our respective lives.  It’s a wonder we didn’t run longer, engaged in conversation, but 6 miles is what my training plan directed so 6 miles it was.

I felt strange, yet also relieved, running such a meager Saturday mileage- last weekend called for 9 miles and next for 11.  This prescribed break in training is referred to as the step-back concept.  “Cutting the long run mileage back every 3rd week allows runners to recover both physically and psychologically for the next step up in mileage.” Hal Higdon (big surprise, right?)

Much of marathon training, at least for me, is a sequence of self-directed Jedi Mind Tricks.  Knowing that I have a couple of tough weeks ahead of me, it really did feel like a vacation to only be responsible for 6 miles.  The fact that this will be my Wednesday distance, and approximately half of my weekend mileage for the next two weeks, really doesn’t phase me at all. Really.