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
5 comments:
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?)
I hope you get out of the funk!
Awesome Katie!
I 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.
I 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!
Hi 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.
I 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!
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