Blah Run
Ugg. So today I was supposed to run 6 miles, 4 at tempo pace 8:12 min/mile. But I just couldn’t do it. I really thought I could, but when I started moving I just did not have the energy to go fast. My fastest tempo mile pace was 8:20 and they just got progressively slower. I ran a little longer as penance for my slowness, 7.78 miles instead of 6. There are a few factors that may have contributed to my inability to reach my goal today.
My workout schedule was off. Morning workouts are always the best for me, it is when I have the most energy. But I did not feel like dragging the kids out while I ran, so instead of running in the morning I waited until my husband got home from work. Evening run, not the best idea for me, I guess.
It was 82 degrees out. I am not complaining about the weather at all, I love the warmth. But I have not run out in the heat in a little while, so that may have contributed to some of the fatigue. My heart rate was up pretty high (in the 180s most of the time) even though I wasn’t going fast.
No caffeine. I usually have some sort of caffeine if I am going long or fast, and today I did not.
Added in Spin workouts on rest days and did one yesterday as well along with my 3 miles. I have not taken a complete day of rest since 3/9, so I may just be a little tired.
No Food. I did not make sure I ate something before my workout, so I may have just been low on fuel.
Hilly route. I was going to drive out to the less hilly part of the trail, so that I could just concentrate on speed. But I did not feel like getting in the car, so I just ran out my front door and got on the trail at the entrance close to my house, which as I have said before is much hillier than the old part of the trail.
Okay those are all my excuses for not reaching my goal pace today and although I think they all sound legit, it may have been that I just did not push myself as hard as I could have.
Time to move on. I have a long run on Saturday and I will attempt to not make the same mistakes I made today. I don’t really have a goal pace in mind, I just want to get the mileage in. I think as long as I am properly fueled and have the right mind set it will be a cinch. Long slow runs are a little more my thing, you know being a turtle and all.
Filed under: Running Blog
I need to work on fueling my body better too. Sometimes I do well and others times I don’t I’m trying to figure out what snack works best for me right now, what do you usually eat pre-run? Of course I needed to go grocery shopping so that may have been part of my problem today. You’ve outlined some pretty good reasons for why you felt the way you did. Knowing is half the battle, now you know how to rectify it. I’m definitely learning that rest is a good thing.
Even turtles need rest! Seriously tho, rest is just as important as nutrition and stretching etc. when you train. Maybe all the spinning classes have used more energy than you thought. Allow yourself a day off!
Lisa,
I usually workout in the morning so as long as eat breakfast I am covered. Breakfast is usually oatmeal w/raisins, and I make sure I drink at least 12 oz of water. If I work out later, I usually grab a piece of fruit or a kashi bar before heading out.
Joe,
I agree, therefore, I am skipping out on today’s(friday) spin class. I need to rest up for 2morrow’s run
these runs definitely happen to ALL of us. I have a hard time adjusting to the warmer temps and 82 degrees would definitely throw off my tempo run right now. Also not having the right food with me… I have been taking a gu right before I start my tempo portion of my run and its REALLY helped me lately. Just move on and focus on the next run like you said. No point in looking back and dwelling, you will get the next one!
I found your site from @cyktrussel on twitter. I’m about to run my first half-marathon! I look forward to reading more about your trainings, races, and journey towards your marathon, as well as how you juggle it with family! (btw – love the name of your site, since I’m definitely not fast!)
Always glad to meet another turtle runner. We may not go fast, but we can go the distance. I saw on your blog that your half marathon is in one week, Good Luck!
I have a problem with not fueling before heading to the gym or out for a run. I usually work out right after work and before dinner. I have been working to grab something before I leave work but it is still a work in progress. Now that you have taken the time to think about the reasons, you can move forward with solutions. No use in dwelling. =)
@crystalware