Start of 2024: 2 months, 2 races, & 300 miles down
...and updates on what's to come!
Did I expect to be sending this newsletter today? Far from. But yesterday while running on the treadmill I found myself crying hard while watching a US woman win an indoor world championship in the 3000 meters — and wishing I could share my love of the sport with everyone.
Suddenly, it hit me that it’s been so long since I last sent an update. ⚡️ So greetings, friends. I’m excited to share what I’ve been up to running-wise since the start of the year, my plans for the next few months, and end with some quick hits, including more about the race that had me in my feels at the gym.
📋 Year-to-date mileage: 305.6 miles
🗓 Jan & Feb
My most fitful, draining sleep was on New Year’s Eve. And no, it was not because I was partying. Instead, I was in the throes of the nastiest cold I’d had in a long time — which is saying something since, looking back on it, I spent much of the fall fighting illness. In the 10+ days I spent recovering in bed, I felt newly resolved (fitting for the time of year) to solve the riddle of my failing immunity. Luckily, I had received a book called Breath independent of my illness issues, and it felt unlocking. I then ordered a less pop-sexy-non-fiction book called The Oxygen Advantage, which furthered my interest in focusing on my breathing as a way to protect myself from colds. While cultivating a newfound breathwork practice, I also took care of the basics: 9+ hours of nightly sleep (a luxury, I know), eating well (and lots), frequent hand washing… I am happy to report that I have yet to get sick in 2024 (knock on 👏 all 👏 the 👏 wood 👏 for me).
Once I was recovered enough to be back on my feet, I eased into running. In my state, this required me to leave my ego at home and run most of my miles at 10:00+ pace. I also started using my Lever (the weight assisting device I got when recovering from my labral tear) on 2-3 of my weekly runs. By the end of January, I’d hit a 40-mile-week!
Of note, I did one “race” during January. It was a low-key 10-miler on a course that was damaged by rainfall and therefore shortened to 3 x 5k out-and-backs, plus an extra mini out-and-back for good measure — which was exceedingly boring. I tried to use the repetition to my advantage and cut down my pace on each 5k. I ended in 1 hour, 18 minutes (7:48/mile), which was modest, but a hopeful result for the middle of my first month back.
I built on my momentum in February, which included three successive weeks of 40, 45, and 50 miles. For me, that’s a lot — and I loved feeling like I was back. While most of my runs remained slow, I did allow myself to do some speedwork once per week if the spirit took me. Each one of those sessions was humbling.
The highlight of February was running the Big Alta 28k (17.4 miles) with my trail-savvy friend Allison. We happened upon the most beautiful scenery during the most delightful weekend in memory. The race was a challenge for me because this course included 4000 ft of elevation gain (I typically run on SF’s Embarcadero with 0 ft of elevation change), which created some stunning views (and some very sore quads). The race took over 4 hours to complete and that takes its toll. I’ve scaled back all planned running this week to recover.
🔭 Looking ahead
I have two races in the coming months. I’m pumped for both. The first is the Oakland Half Marathon (3/17), which features a new course. For that race, I intend to try my hardest and put in an honest effort, but not worry about the clock. I might not even wear my watch. It will be my baseline half marathon for the year.
Two months later, I’m running the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon (5/18), where I hope to hit the NYC Marathon qualifying time of 1:34 (7:10/mile pace). It would represent a strong run for me and it’s the only race I have to hit the standard — the NYRR requires you to hit the half time at one of their events and I don’t live in NYC, so I have limited opportunity to do so. I am excited to finally start doing some speed and tempo workouts to prepare.
Other than that, my goals are to stay injury-free and healthy. As of now, I don’t think I want to do a marathon this year. If I reverse that intention, it’ll be because I’m craving more volume in my training. As trite as it may sound, I am focused this year on enjoying the process and feeling capable and strong.
🧳 Odds n’ ends
Crying over: Elle St. Pierre winning a world indoor championship 1 year to-the-day from her due date (her son turns 1 tomorrow). Elle is a fierce competitor every time she steps on the line, but seeing her quick progression from back-to-competition to world champ was perfect. I thought this short interview was the right mix of powerful and adorable. Fun fact: Elle lives and works on a dairy farm in Vermont. This year’s world champs is in Scotland, and I absolutely loved seeing photos of Elle visiting Highland cattle the day before she raced.
Celebrating with: Our new relay batons. I got an unexpected package the other day with two personalized relay batons commemorating Lennie and my CIM Relay victory. It doesn’t hang on my medal rack. Should I start a trophy room? 🙃
Occupying my time with: Reading. Besides running, my other current passion is a good book. Since January 1, I’ve read eighteen. I have gotten into the habit of sharing my books on my IG at the end of the month, and more than one person has suggested that I start a blog called Claire Is Reading. Watch this space. 😂
It was fun (and quick) to write the update above, but I am not yet ready to commit to any particular writing cadence. I’ll let you know when I can. In the meantime, I hope I was able to pass along a bit of the overwhelming passion I continue to have for this sport; thanks for supporting me as a I play a small role in it.
Hugs to you all! 🤗, Claire
Yay! So glad that you are back to writing(and running!)
What a recovery. Great pictures. It would also be fun to hear more about the books you are reading, so maybe I can read them too. 🥳❤️