Well, if you are like me, you have good running weeks as well as bad ones. This past week fell into the "bad week" category.
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
| 7 Miles AM | 1 Mile AM 3.5 Miles PM 1.5 Miles PM | 1 Mile AM Rest PM | 1 Mile AM 5 Miles PM | 1 Mile AM 5 Miles | Rest | 13.1 Miles AM |
First, the treadmill and I hung out on every run for nearly 2 weeks. After spending that much quality time with each other, we easily got sick of seeing each other. I could not make it to 5 miles in a few of my sessions. I was exhausted. However, by Thursday, I was determined to run outside. I thought all I needed was fresh air to cure me of the funk I was in. I had my reasons in avoiding the outdoors, but it mostly was due to the inconsistencies of my foot pain. Some days were better than others, but by Thursday evening, I could not fathom the thought of running another 5 miles inside. I got my cold gear on and went to my parent's to run.
It felt great...with exception of the first mile. I was so used to the treadmill absorbing the impact of my body that I forgot how unforgiving pavement was. It really messed with my vision, actually. But once the sun was down, it was no longer an issue. I finished happy and refreshed.
On Saturday, I revisited the trail for the first time in 3 weeks for a 13.1 mile run. It had just snowed earlier that morning, but nothing was going to stand in my way. I NEEDED to return to the trail.
Lucky for me, my foot stayed quiet, but I was absolutely exhausted by the end. Alpha and I cuddled for some time while I tried regaining some energy.
That same evening, I did a lot of thinking. My confidence had really gone down. Running had not been this difficult since my surgery in July. It has left me wondering if I will be prepared for this marathon in time. I quickly snapped out of it though. I am almost 2 months away from the actual race. I think that is plenty of time to gain back some of the confidence I lost. Running will get better again, I am sure.
And to brighten my spirits, I decided to fork out the extra money for an upgrade to VIP at the Rock n Roll Marathon. I think that will help motivate me.
Some of that confidence did return on Sunday. I had a 6 mile run planned and although, I did not expect a great performance...that is what I got.
During the first mile, I noticed my pace was much faster than anticipated. I told myself several times "Don't do this, Lindsey! This is madness!" However, instead of slowing down, I kept speeding up. I went with it and finished strong. But like all of my recent runs, I am just left completely exhausted.
I am curious if I am getting sick or have a deficiency in something. Either way, I hope it gets resolved so I can feel normal again. I want to get this training back on track asap!!!
Are you off to a good start this week?
Hi Lindsay! Just found your blog and I am loving reading it :) I Totally feel you on the good runs and bad runs and the good weeks and bad weeks. I once went through a period of being exhausted after 6miles which seemed ludicrous because I knew my body could do 20milers just 2 weeks prior. The more I worried I was going backwards in my training the more stressed out I became and the harder each run was. I finally just said screw it and stopped thinking about it and just said it is what it is. I put it down to stress, lack of sleep, tiredness and for the first time in forever I started listening to my body and just rested. It helped but I still have those bad runs too! I wouldn't worry about it, like you said you have 2 months of training left
ReplyDeleteP.S Just realized the typo in your name. Lindsey! Sorry about that
DeleteThanks, Karen! You are right. I think the more a person over thinks running...or any task for that matter...ends up doing worse than if they just went with the motions. I took a break today to clear my mind and hope that tomorrow will be better.
DeleteHappy running! :o)