Thursday, November 09, 2006

Running Low on Desire

I hate to admit that, but it's true. And I'm not really sure why, either. I guess it could be some general fatigue setting in at week 12 of the training program, or maybe it's got something to do with the allergies and congestion that are keeping me from breathing easily, or it also could be that I am starting to get nervous and scared like I always do when such an event draws near. I always freak out and have this notion to just back out and forget the whole thing. Talk about being a coward.

So anyways, Tuesday morning I was supposed to hit the pool for a swim at 5:30 a.m., but I didn't get out of bed. And Wednesday morning I was supposed to do Week 12's tempo run, which is 10 miles at PMP(9min/mile), but...you guessed it, I didn't get out of bed. So this morning I really had no choice. I drug myself out of bed and started getting ready while fighting the demons the entire time.

~Go back to bed...this sucks...you don't wanna do this...you aren't gonna hit your target pace...you are tired...it's still dark outside~

But I kept going back to all the other times I didn't feel like running, but went ahead anyways and had great runs. So I went on. I didn't eat anything, just took a sip of Gatorade as I walked out the door. About a mile into the run I realized I didn't dress warm enough. I was thinking it would be mid 40's to 50 degrees, but it was actually mid 30's, and all I had on was a long sleeve tech shirt and my capri tights w/out insulation. By mile 5, I was cold. I knew I wasn't hitting target pace, but most of my miles were in the 9:20's so I kept thinking I'd get faster and eventually make it up. But at mile 7 I started shutting down. I felt like I had no fuel left, and had to slow the pace to even think about making it home. By the time I made it home I was at 8.28 miles and could not even think about running the last 1.72 to finish. I doubt it would have even been beneficial at the pace I was running anyways. So I called it quits, went inside and got ready for work. Here's the splits:
Mile 1: 9:31
Mile 2: 9:20
Mile 3: 9:34
Mile 4: 9:22
Mile 5: 9:11
Mile 6: 9:25
Mile 7: 9:29
Mile 8: 9:42
.28/mile: 2:30

Total Distance: 8.28 miles in 1:18:08, 9:26/mile pace.

Not the way I'd like for my runs to be going with 4 weeks to go. I wonder if the half mary took more out of me than I realized? I've got to swim tomorrow, and then I've got 15 miles at a 9:10 pace on Saturday. Here's hoping things turn around this weekend!

13 comments:

LeahC said...

i think it's a very common thing to feel partway through a training plan. Don't worry about it. I remember at one point everyone training for Chicago felt just...i don't know ....uggy :-) I think it just happens as the event drawns near and you get into the tough part of the training plan. Good luck with the rest of your training!

walchka said...

Just plug away for the next couple of weeks and then you'll hit your taper. A little bit more and you'll be on easy street. :)

Anonymous said...

Unsolicited 2 cents: eat something before you attempt a 10-miler first thing in the morning.

Maybe you're just hitting a rough training patch, but the lack of calories for a tough workout is not going to make things any easier out there.

Good luck.

Michele said...

Ugg, sorry about the bad run this morning. We have all had them. At least you got out of bed and did something. I have missed TWO key runs this week and still don't know how I am going to make it through tomorrow's long run.
Keep your chin up. Only 4 weeks to go then you get a month off!!!!

Anonymous said...

You ran had this past weekend, so if you ease off a little to give your body a chance to rebuild, that is ok. Just remember, the taper begins soon!

Papa Louie said...

The long tempo runs are not for the weak. You need to eat some high carbo thing like a gel or even bread with jelly on it would be good then wash it down with a carbo drink (sorry I can't drink gatorade because of the HFCS). Hang in there with your training another week of serious stuff then it's taper time. And don't be hard on yourself regarding making pace or not. It will be the five 20 milers that will take you to the finish, added with everything else you did in your training.

Lance Notstrong said...

You might be right about the 1/2 marathon. Maybe you just aren't fully recovered yet. I bet you're be fine come the weekend.

Phil said...

Lana .. a 1/2 marathon at full race pace will take a lot of you. Had I been thinking clearly, I would have recommended that you run your last 1/2 as a training run and keep your pace at MP for the last 10 miles or so. Also, heading out for a long tempo run with nothing but a few sips of Gatorade is not a good strategy. These are also tough on your body. You need to be fueled and fully hydrated before you start.

Sounds like you are a little worn out. However, you are still increadiably strong. Take it easy for a couple of days, eat well, get some sleep and get yourself hydrated and you'll be back out burning up the pavement.

My Life said...

Hi there- I've just come across your blog and wanted to tell you I'm really inspired! From what I've read it sounds like you do an awesome job with your training while balancing life, family and work! I'm sure you'll be great at Vegas!

Cliff said...

Lana,

I know some times a race or a trainign will have residual fatigue. I won't feel it when i am sitting around but once i start to train, i will feel tireness.

Good rest will ensure u be strong for your LSD. Afterall, those are what's important.

Joe said...

I get that way too, especially for the first swim meet of the season. Self-doubt creeps in and I wonder whether I will be as fast as last season. But once the first race starts, I forget about all that and I remember why I'm putting myself through the ordeal in the first place.

Keep your eye on the prize. You'll get out of your mini-funk soon.

Rice said...

We got to get you a workout to fight that snooze alarm.. Don't be to hard on yourself though you did 8miles before work, your better then av.

I think Jodi is going to LV marathon.. http://joditris.blogspot.com/ Not sure if you followed her blog at all..

Cheers.

Rae said...

I think we all feel that way towards the end of the training cycle and this up and down weather has been so draining lately, PLUS it seems like it's dark when I leave for work in the morning and when we get home at night.

Just think about sunny, warm VEGAS, baby!!