I hate complaining and whining. But my long runs have not been happy places this past month. Remember earlier in the month when I tried to see the positive light behind the 16 miles I ran? Then a couple weeks ago I ran 18 and I felt good. Today--3 weeks before my marathon--I ran 20.5. I feel terrible. Post-run, I am a wheezing, coughing machine (thank you 20 deg temps). I ran on snow in the morning before it melted and that caused extra effort, too, I am sure. After 13.75 miles I had to finish my first big loop and stop at home to use the bathroom. That made my stomach feel worse for the last 6.75 miles. And I am laying in bed feeling all-around not great now.
I have to admit those first 13.75 miles were done maybe a little too fast (just about 10 sec slower than marathon pace). I slowed it way down for the last 6.75 miles but by then my stomach was not feeling great and that was just depressing me. It takes my stride away.
Long runs and I have not had a great relationship this training cycle. I am hoping, hoping, hoping that things click and come together a lot better in 3 weeks in Austin. Until then, I will sit back and wish I had signed up for 13.1 instead. I know I can do 13.1 and I can do it well. 26.2....that is another story.
Anyway, I am trying not to whine. I just don't feel it is possible to reach my time goal for Austin, but really finishing is what matters.
Did anyone else brave the cold and have a good long run today? I hope so...I need to hear positive stories.
I had a good run today, but I also didn't put in those kind of miles. Sounds like you just need to get some rest, and I am sure you will do better in 3 weeks than you think.
ReplyDeleteThanks :) and I am SO GLAD I got out there and embraced the cold and the snow. Much better than fearing it and not getting out there at all!
DeleteThat is because you are a bad ass.
DeleteOr a dumb ass..we will wait and see how the race treats me!
DeleteFortunately, every run (and every day) is different. I'm coming off a less than stellar week (running & other), but today knocked out 16 miles of insane hills also in 20 degree temps - oh, and some wind sprinkled along the way just to make things interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe point? Yes, I do off in tangents :)
The point is that a bad run or a run that feels harder than it should is just that. One run. I always like to think that a bad training run is much better than a bad run that happens DURING the marathon. So even when you're hurting during your marathon, you'll likely remember how you got through the tougher training runs.
Sending you good vibes for a fantastic race day, where it all comes together and you get to the Start and the Finish w/ a smile.
Awe, thanks :) Just what I needed to hear! I will be waiting for that awful wall during the race and when it doesn't come, I will just feel fantastic all around!
DeleteThose hills and wind can be killers. Great run for you!
Thanks for the encouragement. I feel a lot better after a nice nap this afternoon :)
I'm sorry it was rough for you(stomach problems are SO bad too). I wish I had some advice but you know I've never seen those miles before since I'm sure my legs would be nowhere to be found by then :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe Running Ginger is right and you just need a little rest.
The cold is no joke either!!
I hope it gets better for you soon!!
Thanks. Yes, I feel better about the whole experience. I think I was too quick to write this yesterday while I was still feeling bad and before I could let it all sink in how much I had really run!
DeleteIt's not cold here, but I usually brave the Charleston temperatures to run outside even when it's super hot (which is often). I say you give the marathon a shot, even if you don't like it, just don't do them anymore and stick to half-marathons. I like the half because I can recover quickly and get back to running the next week, usually within 3-4 days.
ReplyDeleteI love your new shoes in the blog below! I would probably change out those blue laces for something darker or lighter though, that's just way too much blue for me and I like bright, funky shoes.
Thanks! I am going to go for it. I am pretty sure after sleeping on it I decided I started out way too fast especially in the snow where I had to put in extra effort. I am going to start out the marathon SLOW to avoid this!
DeleteI agree about new laces in the blue shoes :)
shoot! i'm impressed!
ReplyDeletem ^..^
Thanks :)
DeleteI still haven't decided what my ideal distance is. But a nice trail half marathon is always fun for me. I often start to cough after a long run, like I'm starting to get sick or something. I can't tell if it's just the dirt in my lungs or something else... So these days, I fill up a water bottle with some Emergen-C (electrolytes) and that often helps me on those long runs. I don't feel as bad when I'm done. Maybe that'll help you?
ReplyDelete