The Good
I had a great long run this weekend. I was running for time, rather than distance. Three hours of time to be exact, and wound up covering 21.5 miles (8:22 average pace). I ran the last five miles at marathon pace (8:00), and my average heart rate was 138. My legs were stiff when I finished, but I used the foam roller and took an ice bath, and wasn't sore the next day. I also managed to practice taking in nutrition. I'm simply awful when it comes to making sure I take in enough fluids and such while I run. During the run, I drank 25 ounces of water and sucked down 4 gu packets. My pee wasn't particularly concentrated the rest of the day, so I'm giving myself a thumbs up in the hydration camp. I also had two marathon pace runs during the week. One on the treadmill and one outside. For both, my average heart rate was 136. I've also started running at a 1% incline on the treadmill. At first, it felt hard, but I don't even notice it now.
The Bad
I'm beginning to realize why I generally run too hard. My heart rate is low. From a cardio perspective, I don't feel like I'm working hard at all. The rest of my body, however, is tired. I don't feel like I'm running all that fast, but my legs are tired. Actually, all of me is tired. I'm sure some of that is having a 6 month old in the house. Last night, for example, she was up every 2 hours. Nothing serious. I'm sure it's just her teething or getting ready to meet some milestone, but it puts a damper on my sleep. I don't think it's just having a baby around though. I have to wonder if my body is a bit worn out from the running I did in college. Because my legs are feeling shot, I skipped the tempo run this week...
The Ugly
I absolutely love running. That's why I do it. I don't really see the point otherwise. I didn't love my long run this weekend, and that makes me nervous. Somewhere around 2 hours and 20 minutes, I was thinking, "hmmm, three hours seems a little excessive, this isn't as much fun as I imagined." I know we all feel like that from time to time, but I don't want running to become a chore (because then it would completely defeat the purpose for me). Hopefully it's just that I'm running more miles recently, taking care of a baby, and yada yada yada. Does running ever feel like a chore to you? How do you get out of your funk?
Marathon Training Week 3 (2/28 - 3/6)
Total Miles: 52.2
Total Time: 7:17
Average Pace: 8:22 min/mile
Marathon Training Week 2 (2/21 - 2/27)
Total Miles: 50.25
Total Time: 7:15
Average Pace: 8:39 min/mile
Marathon Training Week 1 (2/14 - 2/20)
Total Miles: 50
Total Time: 6:40
Average Pace: 8:00 min/mile
The funk usually passes after a week or two for me. And if it doesn't, I try to figure out if I'm training too much or not eating enough, or not getting enough sleep (cough cough...new baby? sleep?)
ReplyDeleteI hope you get out of the funk!
Awesome Katie!
ReplyDeleteI think for most people the last few miles of a long run are not the most enjoyable. But if you don't enjoy only 4-5 miles of the 50+ you run, I say you win! I am the same, once running/tri-ing stop being fun, I won't do them!
Your HR is really low. For an 8:20 pace I probably am around 145, but I still don't feel I am working. Unless my HR is higher than 175, more like 180, I don't feel I am working hard. I think if you manage to stick with this training and not introduce harder intervals until the end, all will be well!
I can only imagine how hard it must be waking up every 2 hours. Lack of sleep makes me cranky and depressed! Sleep heals, so maybe your legs are not recovering fully since your sleep is interrupted. Whatever it is, you ARE doing a great job!
I just got out of a funk. What I did was change up the scenery a little bit. Do the usual route backwards, or run in a different neighborhood. Break up the monotony. And I don't have a baby in the house! I don't know how you moms do it! You are amazing! No wonder you are dragging a bit.
ReplyDeleteI think you're doing amazingly to get 50+ miles a week and still have time for your family. Maybe take some Vitamin C to keep your immune system up while you're feeling down, so you don't get sick?
Hope the funk passes soon!
I definitely get into a funk from time to time...and my paces lately are reflective that I am currently in one (spring???)! I love running but sometimes it feels like a battle to get it in (hint Santa- I want a treadmill) between work, family etc. so I just try to lighten up on myself. I think you are doing AMAZING with your paces and your mileage! Your HR is definitely low...that's amazing. My runs are usually around 160'ish and I feel ok. Keep up the great work- can't wait to hear more!
ReplyDeleteHi katie! So glad to find your blog. I'm kind of on a blog break but I can already tell that your blog is one that I will have as my top blogs to read. Thanks for your comment! I will add you to my blog list now.
ReplyDeleteI love your passion for running! This is what it is all about. I don't like when it becomes work and I don't enjoy the training...this is why I took such a looong break to have babies, nurse, and just be easy on myself. Good luck!