My run volume has been increasing and I've been enjoying it. I've noticed my normal run pace has picked up substantially over the last few weeks. I hate to even commit this to works (out of fear for jinxing myself) but I'm feeling very healthy lately. A lot of the aches and pains that nagged me during my IMAZ prep seem to have worked themselves out. My feeling is that I'm finally reaping some of the benefits of enhanced durability and deeper fitness that allows me to train without my stressing my structure in quite the same way. Knock on wood - hope it keeps up. I really believe that consistancy with my running is one of the major keys to having a great race at IMC. The few weeks that I had to go light on the running earlier this year definitely were missed come race day.
I haven't historically been a runner - the bike has been more my thing. But I noticed earlier this year that I felt the most satisfaction from a solid run. Much more so than a good swim or bike. Swimming has gotten better but it's not a great environment...stuck indoors in a pool with a bunch of other people just going back and forth. I really enjoy time on the bike but the 5-6 hours it takes for a really solid training ride are tough to manage. Running is different I think because it's so time-efficient and convenient. I can happily run just about anywhere and in just about any weather.
The downside is that my long runs really do take a lot out of me. I did a 16 mile run this morning and felt solid for all but the last 20 minutes or so of it (2:20 total time, lots of altitude changes, etc.) and now that I'm a few hours away from the run my legs feel good but I'm kind of moving in slow motion. One of the guys that works for me said "you okay...something on your mind?" when I was just spacing out. I'll sleep well tonight.