Workouts this week: March 26-April 1

Cat + running shoes + foam rollers

Running funk: Week 3

I'm now in week 3 of my running funk.

I came home from a failed speed workout Thursday sobbing about how I wanted to quit running. I was crying so hard my eyes were swollen the next day.

My legs are tired. I'm not getting faster. I never have ANY free time because all I ever do is run. And for nothing. It's not a plateau. I could be plenty faster. Just something is going on and I don't know what.

I've been sick. So I should cut myself some slack but my whole training plan is screwed up. I missed three days last week. I've gotten all my long runs in, and more than half of my speed workouts. Which when I write that doesn't sound that bad. I have stayed AROUND 25 miles a week. Self: it is not the end of the world.

Monday: OFF

Tuesday: Easy run

I was too sore to do hill repeats like my plan called for. My friend suggested a fartlek instead, which was a great idea. But after a BAD day at work and with my legs still tired I did an easy run. (After work, I felt like I was going to cry but never did.)

Also, the construction fences were down at the IM Fields where I usually run. It made it much easier to run.

Wednesday: Trail run

The only reason I didn't quit running last week was because I said I'd lead a trail run for the road runners.

Great turnout at the first trail run of the season. Much more than I expected.

There was an amazing turnout. More than 30 people showed up and ran. The mosquitoes were out. It was the first hot day after some cold weather. The course was hilly and hard and everyone was walking the last half. But I think people had a great time.

I struggled on this run. My legs were tired. And my friend ran ahead of me, so I couldn't chat :( 

Thursday: Failed speed workout :(

My plan was 2 miles, an easy mile and another 2 fast miles. It's a good 10k workout.

Mile 1: 7:40.

WAY off pace. I couldn't make speed. 

I jogged a lap and decided to try again and see if I could salvage the workout.

Mile 2: 7:28. But I had to work like mile trial work to get the 7:28. It's not usually that hard.

What is going on? My legs are tired. I've been sick. I had fried food at lunch (some, not too much, and it wasn't a stomach issue like I've had before.) I feel like it was my legs. Not in my head. I also had a really stressful day at work. I was sobbing at the end of the day after two people were super rude to me in a meeting and I got upset or told to be something stupid we already agreed I didn't have to do. I haven't cried that hard at work in awhile. I thought a fast run might help work things out, but my legs weren't cooperating. 

Lunch. Tacos + guac + friends

Bday present: New roller

Friday: yoga

Did 30 minutes of yoga. My calves are spent. 

I also went to the Lululemon outlet. I got a new short sleeve swiftly, a yoga bra, a tank top, a sweater and a long sleeve top. :) 

Outlet mall shopping: Picked up a new pair for Nike Pegasus for $59

Saturday: Long run

I did 9 miles at the IM Fields. It was gorgeous out. It was in the 60s (so perfect running weather). The wisteria was blooming. I saw lots of cute dogs. It's hard to be in a running funk when it's so perfect to run. I had an OKAY run. My legs weren't tired. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN WEEKS. I got a tad bored of doing loops. I would have liked to do Cook's Trail, but didn't want to do that one by myself. 

Sunday: Speed redo

My legs felt OK so I tried for some speed work so I could have one successful workout this week. 

Four miles at race pace was on my training plan. I headed out to a nearby track (not the university track since I was trying to change it up). I should add this track measures long so I went by my Garmin. (Since everyone's watch measures it long). I did my warmup. The weather was nice. 

Mile 1: 7:24

Mile 2: 7:44. Mile 1 felt great so I was overconfident. I didn't look at my watch and messed up my time. Interesting that this is the hard speed my body defaults to when I'm not watching my watch

Mile 3: 7:33. Trying to find the right speed without working harder than necessary

Mile 4: 7:24. I pushed it but had enough in the tank. 

I ended up being 7 seconds over time. Which is pretty darn close. I've had one better 4 mile workout and that was indoors. This was a better workout. And I wasn't too spent afterwards. It is good to know that I have to watch my watch, because 7:44 is my default hard but not thinking pace. I have to force my legs to turn over more for 7:30s. 

Runs this week: 5

Miles this week: 27

Workouts this week: yogax4

When I try to do yoga, this guy is everywhere.
Usually under my downward dogs or biting my toes.

Workouts this week: Christmas Eve edition

Monday: Off

Christmas tights

Tuesday: Speed work—800 repeats

I was the only person to show up at speed work tonight. OMG. I kinda felt like doing an easy 5 miler, but I did the workout since Mike showed up.

He ran the first one with me. The plan was to run an easier pace for the first one, 3:40-ish and then settle into 3:30 800s.

3:33 for my first 800. A tad fast. But super controlled.

I ran by myself and didn't look at my watch because it was dark out. I warned Mike it might not be the best workout because I've been eating a ton of sweets at the office.

3:19
3:17
3:15
3:11 (he ran this one with me. I was dead.)

Which was faster than we had planned. I think I worked hard, but not too hard. I was pretty winded after sets 3 and 4. The final one was pretty hard. I didn't have anything left to push at the end. Which maybe means I did the workout right. Yes, it's faster than my 5k pace, but I like running fast. And this was faster than my last set of 800s repeats, but only barely.

Wednesday: medium run

I did 5 miles. And I really felt tired today. I think I was mostly tired because work has been crazy for two weeks. Probably I was a little tired from the speed work, but this easy run was a chore to get through. I finished mile one and a half and I was ready to be done. I think the fatigue was mostly mental. I ended up going to bed early.

The pool at the gym. It's fun to watch the swimmers.
The gym was empty for the holidays this week. 

Thursday: Off
I am always tired on Thursdays. Weird.

Friday: Medium run
I did 6.25 miles at the indoor track today. My goal was to get one last run in at the indoor track before the gym closed for the holidays. (I would have run outside but it was rainy and gross.)

I did four miles and then decided to do two miles at 10k pace (or around 7:30).

I ran mile 5 in 7:50. I had trouble changing speed.
Miles 6 was 7:28 and that took serious pushing.

I usually run fast or easy, so running fast after running easy was a challenge.

I also did a yoga class on my lunch break, which was nice. 45-minute yoga classes are perfect.

Saturday: Long run
I did 9 miles of trails today. My husband came along with me. I led the first four miles and then I let him take the lead. BUT I went to get water at the halfway mark and the water fountain was turned off, so I ran to the next water fountain and that was turned off too. At this point we were near the car, so we got our bottles of water and went back to the run. After another mile of running, I just couldn't do any more hills. I had a tiny cold and my chest just couldn't do another hill climb so for the last 2.5 miles of my run, I did loops of the practice fields. Matt ran the trails. I finished a minute before him. But I did my long run. With a cold. And then we went out and got burgers. Which was very delicious and well deserved.

Turkey burger with sweet potatoes and broccoli

Sunday: Off
I'd logged my 25 miles for the week so I took Sunday off too. It was also Christmas Eve and we had family in town, so not running freed up some time.

Workouts this week: Nov. 6-12

Monday: Off

Tuesday: track workout in the dark
The time change made our track workout very dark. There were some football lights on during my warmup, but then they turned off. I’d left my headlamp in the car because I thought the track had light. Haha.  I could see a few feet in front of me, but not much.

It was also rainy and the track was wet and by the end of the workout my feet felt like water balloons--wet and squishy.

I did a mile warmup. Then it was on to the workout. 5x800s.

3:31, 3:28, 3:26, 3:23, 3:07. Then a mile cool down.

I tried to run with Sally for the last one. I held on to her for 400. I tried. It was a valiant effort. Also does it mean that I started out too slow if I ran the last one in 3:07?

Lots of people came. We had some of our usual group, plus two new ladies.  And then a big group came late. There was some kids. A guy running 2:40 800s. A mom. I’m happy when more people come.

Next week I’ll bring my headlamp.

Wednesday: Medium run
I had planned on running outside. After going outside, I decided it was too cold and that I’d run inside. So I ran 48 laps at Ramsey. I’ll take boring over cold.

I ran 6 miles at an easy pace.

Thursday and Friday: Off
On Thursday I drove to Florida after work and didn’t have time for a run. Friday was vacation things and I didn’t run. I did run after a 2-year-old, which should count for something.

Saturday: race
I ran a 5k while in Florida and did a separate race recap. I’m happy with how I did.

Sunday: Long run

I really wanted to go back to the trail I ran in Florida this summer. This time after a little searching, I found the trailhead and place to park. (Yay). I did 8 miles. I ran 4 out and 4 back.
It’s only wide enough for one person. It’s mostly trail, though it’s sandy in some parts. I ran the first two miles, and then I came to the road where I had started this summer. This second section of trail has a lot more turns and intersections (where you can get turned around) than the first section. But I knew I could get lost this time, so I was more aware. AND I DIDN’T GET LOST. YAY!

I also had an awesome run. My legs were faster than my usual easy run: 8:40 pace on a flat trail. I felt great, like I could run forever. (Which is crazy for the day after a race). One of the best runs this fall.

Where to go for this run: Longleaf Pine Trailhead near Santa Rosa Beach. It's near 30a.
Address is 399 Satinwood Dr. Santa Rosa Beach Florida

You should be able to find it in your GPS. $2 for parking. And yes it looks sketchy when you first pull up.

Runs this week: 4
Miles this week: 23
States run in: 2

Workouts this week: Oct. 9-15

This was a tired week of working out: a few rough runs.

Monday: Off
Rest day. Caught up on SNL from the weekend

Tuesday: Speed work
It was 86 degrees and 70% humidity.  I think that’s all I need to say. It was hot and soupy out. It felt like June and everyone was complaining about the weather.

The workout was 2 1200s and 2 800s and a bonus 400 if you wanted.

I aimed to go around 7 minute pace. Hahahaha. With the heat, that wasn’t happening.

My 1200s were both at 5:16. Which is 7 minute mile pace plus one second.

Then on to 800s. My first lap felt hard. My second lap was utter garbage. 3:31. I felt sick. My stomach hurt. I felt like I was going to barf. It’s one of the worst laps I’ve had since coming back after shin splints.

I took an extra 10-20 seconds to recover after everyone else. (My recoveries are usually shorter since I’m the last to finish). I ran another 3:31. It was hard. So hard. It was the second lap again. My legs were okay. My body was just working too hard in the heat.

I didn’t do the bonus 400. I had nothing left. I barely finished the last 800.

I did a cool down for an even 4 miles. That was super hard.

Wednesday: 5 miles
It feels like July outside. I ran 5 miles. It wasn’t as bad as yesterday, but it’s just too hot to feel good on a run. 85 degrees. The trails were practically empty. I didn’t see as many other as I usually do. There was also a big tree down (new) at the bottom of the main hill—so to get around you needed some knowledge of the trails. So lots of things to go around on this run. There’s a fence near the band practice field, the chain at the top of the hill, a lot of the side trails taped off (so varying degrees of being able to go around.)

Thursday: off
I was supposed to run 4 or 6 miles today. I decided it was too hot and I wasn’t running. I WAS going to go to yoga, but I had to work a few minutes late, so I didn’t go to yoga. And I didn’t do yoga at home. I walked Mojo, did 20 minutes on the exercise bike and then did 10 minutes of stretching and rolling. Oh well.

Friday: 4 miles + yoga
I’m back on track after yesterday’s laziness. I ran 4 miles at the iM Fields.

I had my hair braided and my elastics fell out around mile 1.5. So I ran almost a mile with my hair tucked in my sports bra. I did thankfully find the elastics again. Yay.
There’s a new obstacle every time I run this trail. I noticed a “Do Not Enter” sign for the first time. I was past it before I realized what it said. They have installed another gate in the forest part of the trail (in addition to the gate at the bottom of the area between the tennis courts and the Redcoat practice field). They added some gravel after the (open) gate. Ugh.
And maybe people are heeding the sign I only now noticed, because I see way less people out there.

Then I went to yoga. There were only two people + the instructor. This happens every now and then. It’s a good way to stretch after a run.

Saturday: Long run
Third 10 miler today. I felt a little tired on this one. I took my first gel. I was trying it out. I think other than being gross (the texture!) it had NO effect on me at all. I didn’t notice a difference.

The trail was covered in leaves—which slows me down a tad (since I can’t see the roots and there are roots EVERYWHERE on this trail.) Saw three deer. Including the two from last week.

I think I only had 8 in the tank today, because I got to 8 and my legs would not turn over.

WHEN DO 10-MILERS GET EASIER?

Those last two miles were utter garbage. They were hard. I wanted to walk. And I didn’t know WHERE TO RUN. I found this little trail and I wondered if it would work. I tried running road miles and my legs didn’t like that—I was running super slow and my feet weren’t landing right so I switched to an unknown windy trail and that helped some. I had nothing left.

And then my legs were achier after I finished. (They’re usually fine.) I felt like I was stiff and a little more limpy than normal.

NOT my dog. His doppelgänger
at the nature center where I did my run. 

I did get 25,000 steps in for the day. Which is awesome.

Sunday: Run + yoga
I was up at 5 because the dog and the cat both puked. (Super gross. Don’t ask.) And I couldn’t go back to sleep. That’s off topic, but oh well.

I had 1.7 miles to run to make my goal of 25 miles. And I’ve only done 2.5 in speed work so I did some more speed.

I did a walking and running warm up (½ mile) and then did 3 1000-meter repeats. Which is a fun little workout. 5 laps at the indoor track. 60 second between each.

I was supposed to run around 4:23 for each 1,000 as part of a sub 22 5k workout plan I saw online. I thought a few seconds slower would be okay, because I’m not quite there yet.

4:30 (7:12 pace)
4:22 (6.59 pace)
4:13 (6.45 pace).

So a nice progression there.

I started a little slow but within target. (7:12 would be perfect for a 5k). My watch doesn’t do pacing right for indoor runs. It was saying 7:40 pace or 8:35 pace for these laps. (Also I just noticed it said 90 second recovery, but I thought it was 60 seconds, so oops again).

I ran another lap so it would be 3200 meters or two miles.

Then I headed to yoga. I like this combo of speed work plus yoga. It makes sure I stretch after the run. And I need to stretch.

Week by numbers:
Workouts this week: 5 runs, 2 yoga classes.
(And a lot of bad runs this week. Tuesday and Wednesday, it was too hot to run. Saturday I was tired. Friday and Sunday were okay.)
Miles this week: 25.85