My legs have been fighting a brick wall this week during my runs and I think I know why. Sunday, the day after my long run, I ran the three mile recovery run that my program suggests that I do. In the past I've been taking the day after my long runs to rest and allow my muscle tissue to rebuild after being broken down the day before. I have yet to let my legs recover, which leads me to believe that is why I haven't been feeling up to par during my weekday runs this week.
Monday I stuck to my typical go-to with the elliptical. I worked out for a hard 40 minutes as I don't think reaching the suggested max (see workout schedule on left side bar) is necessary. As long as you get some variation in your routine - not like the elliptical is really throwing a wrench in my day to day - I think it's sufficient in training.
On Tuesday that brick wall that my legs have been battling applied to my entire body, including my mind. I was dragging all day possibly due to a lack of sleep from always being on the go, and when I walked into my apartment after work I hit the couch and didn't open my eyes for the next hour and a half. When I woke up it was nearing dark and as I've said before I don't trust people enough to run when it's pitch black outside. I had to force myself into running clothes and push my own behind out the door. Some nights are tougher than others. I managed to squeeze a solid four miles out of me even though I was supposed to run seven. Hey - at least I got out there. Dinner was ready (thanks to Chris) when I got back and after I ate my eyes didn't hold up for much longer. I was out like a light (or the Twins in the first round of the playoffs) by 9:30pm.
You guessed it ... I'm a YANKEES fan! Today I was rushed in during my run because I had a date with Jeter and the gang at 6:07pm ... Yanks vs. Twins, first round of MLB playoffs. Getting home from work at 5:15pm allowed me 15 minutes to get ready and be out the door so I could get my four mile run over with before the first pitch. I ran eight-minute miles and walked back through the door at 6:09pm - JUST MISSED IT - but still made it for the top of the first. Not bad.
I plan on taking Thursday and Friday off to let my body rejuvenate before my half-marathon this weekend. If anything I might do a very slow two mile run tomorrow if I feel up to it. On the other hand I might just stick to some core work. Someone had described the hills in the Baltimore half-marathon as "beasts" today, which has made me that much more nervous. The anticipation of competition always makes me over think. I keep forgetting that I'm more than prepared to run 13.1 miles. Any fear or doubt will go away once the gun goes off ... it's just getting to the start line in one mental piece.
Alright it's time for me to shower and get my Yankees shirt on! I'll touch base before the race! Talk soon! GO YANKS!
- merebrown01
- Raleigh, NC, United States
- Ex-field hockey player turned runner! After school I started running to keep in shape. I ran a few shorter races until I played a hand on a marathon. I qualified for the Boston Marathon on the first shot and then qualified again. There's nothing like pushing yourself so hard for something that not everyone has the guts to do ... and experiencing a rewarding accomplishment. These are my thoughts when I'm hitting the pavement.
Showing posts with label half-marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label half-marathon. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Long Run = Success ... Now Give Me a Beer
I'm excited to write about my long run today but I don't have a whole lot of energy left in me so this might be a short one. Knocked out 12.25 miles and felt absolutely great. My breathing was awesome and I hardly felt fatigued; however my legs started talking about halfway through and were screaming by the end of the run. I just figure that's just how it's going to be. I'm sure there are few and far between who can run long distances without those aches and pains. I also think that's a sign of worn down shoes, so I'm looking forward to getting mine in the mail this next week. They're much needed!
Again, pace has been a tough battle for me ... slowing it down, that is. Today I averaged a 9.29 pace, which shows a lot of discipline on my end. Apparently you are supposed to slow up your long run pace two minutes or so per mile. I don't think I want to slow it down any more than I have, but it's also good to know that I'm slightly ahead of where I need to be. Hopefully with the adrenaline on race morning I will surprise myself with a four hour jolt of energy and speed! :-)
Around the 7.5 mile mark, I tried a cranberry apple GU Chomp. I loved it! It's basically a fruity gummy and who doesn't like gummies! :-) Mentally that may have given me an extra something but I don't know how much I gained from it.
My sister, Marley, and my brother-in-law's sister, Ashley (both runners as well) ran with me today. They are training for the Baltimore half-marathon. We stayed together and carried conversation for 10.5 miles and then I finished up a little less than a couple more myself. Running with someone else makes a world of difference for me - it's someone to hold you accountable, someone to occupy your mind from any pain and someone else setting out to do the same thing you are. Another sister of mine, Meg, just registered today for the OBX half-marathon so we'll be able to drink a beer together after I finish the full! Being able to run/race with my sisters is one of the greatest things about this sport for me. I mean if you think about it I'm combining two things that are very dear to me, which is great motivation. Whenever you feel like you can't go another mile, think of the reasons you're out there in the first place. A big reason for me is the strength that my family gives me.
Ok - I know I said this wouldn't be long but I guess like during my run today, I got a second wind. Now, it's time to celebrate a great run and the holiday weekend with some cold beverages! :-)
Again, pace has been a tough battle for me ... slowing it down, that is. Today I averaged a 9.29 pace, which shows a lot of discipline on my end. Apparently you are supposed to slow up your long run pace two minutes or so per mile. I don't think I want to slow it down any more than I have, but it's also good to know that I'm slightly ahead of where I need to be. Hopefully with the adrenaline on race morning I will surprise myself with a four hour jolt of energy and speed! :-)
Around the 7.5 mile mark, I tried a cranberry apple GU Chomp. I loved it! It's basically a fruity gummy and who doesn't like gummies! :-) Mentally that may have given me an extra something but I don't know how much I gained from it.
My sister, Marley, and my brother-in-law's sister, Ashley (both runners as well) ran with me today. They are training for the Baltimore half-marathon. We stayed together and carried conversation for 10.5 miles and then I finished up a little less than a couple more myself. Running with someone else makes a world of difference for me - it's someone to hold you accountable, someone to occupy your mind from any pain and someone else setting out to do the same thing you are. Another sister of mine, Meg, just registered today for the OBX half-marathon so we'll be able to drink a beer together after I finish the full! Being able to run/race with my sisters is one of the greatest things about this sport for me. I mean if you think about it I'm combining two things that are very dear to me, which is great motivation. Whenever you feel like you can't go another mile, think of the reasons you're out there in the first place. A big reason for me is the strength that my family gives me.
Ok - I know I said this wouldn't be long but I guess like during my run today, I got a second wind. Now, it's time to celebrate a great run and the holiday weekend with some cold beverages! :-)
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