This past week of running felt like a perfect snapshot of what this whole training block has been: some runs that feel amazing, some that are absolutely grueling, and a lot of learning along the way.
Leading up to my eight-mile long run, I had a few rough outings the week before—mostly from overdressing. I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that I run hot. Probably hotter than most people. I’m carrying some extra weight that I’m actively working to shed, and that absolutely affects heat management. What other runners can “get away with” layer-wise just doesn’t work for me right now. That realization alone has already made a difference.
Still, not every run is going to feel great—and that was definitely the case with this eight-mile effort.
The Eight-Mile Run
I was honestly a little worried going into it. The night before, I had done a faster four-mile pace run—about a minute per mile quicker than my normal easy pace—and I’m still wrapping my head around how those faster efforts fit before long runs. I don’t fully understand it yet, but I’m trusting the process and stacking the miles. I opted for 3 miles instead of 4 so that I didn’t gas my legs out with 8 miles on Saturday.
For the eight mile run, my wife dropped me off on the far side of the subdivision near the golf course. I had mapped out a full route on Strava that would loop me back home, finishing through the backside of our neighborhood. I had to make up a little distance by running some dead-end streets a bit short on the in-and-outs, but overall I nailed the mileage. I does suck when you map and plan and then when you’re about done you have more than half a mile left, mental toughness makes or breaks you right there.
That said—it was a rough run.
I swear I was running into the wind both ways, except for one small stretch in the middle. Mile seven was especially tough. That’s when the thoughts crept in:
“Do I even like this?”
“This really sucks.”
“What am I doing?”
Then the bigger thought hit: I ran eight miles today… and in seven weeks, I’m supposed to run 13.1.
That’s when I realized something important.
Mental Strength Is Catching Up
My mental strength is getting better.
I’m learning to run through discomfort. To recognize those quitting thoughts early and push them away before they take root. To remind myself that this is hard—but I’ve done hard things before. This is physically exhausting, mentally taxing, and uncomfortable by design. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It means it’s working.
My goal for the Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon is simple: finish.
Beyond that, I want to keep running—5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons—for years to come. Maybe even a full marathon someday. But before that happens, I need to optimize: my form, my weight, my body composition, and my recovery. That takes time, especially as I get closer to 50. Recovery is slower. Weight loss is harder. Staying fit requires consistency, intention, and patience.
Recovery, Consistency, and Gratitude
Thankfully, I have some recovery tools at my disposal—shockwave and laser therapy and Peptides in my office—that I can use when muscles are sore or beat up. That’s been a huge help.
This past week overall was solid. I hadn’t run a Monday night run in several weeks, but this week I wanted to refocus on consistency. I got in a couple of three-mile runs, a four-mile run, and now I’m heading into a planned 5.1-mile simulated race run as part of my training plan.
Seven weeks out from race day in Michigan, I’m feeling excited and cautiously confident.
It’s also definitely time for new shoes—these current ones are starting to look like bald tires. I’m consciously trying not to scuff my feet when I run, and it’s made me more aware of my form. One thing I’ve noticed: bone-conduction or over-ear headphones actually help with that awareness because you can hear yourself run. I’ve been using earbuds lately for volume (and barking dogs), but being able to hear your own foot strike matters more than you’d think.
Final Thoughts
I started this journey back in October. I’m not fast. I’m not lean. But I’m consistent. I’m learning. And I’m doing something hard—something I genuinely enjoy.
I’m grateful to be able to run. Grateful to be this far into the process. And grateful for the reminder that progress doesn’t always feel good in the moment—but it’s still progress.
Onward.
#RockCF
-Dr Sorenson-