So I've decided to write a bit early about week 8 because I'm feeling a bit frustrated with my running this week. I can't sleep and it's really bothering me because I haven't really felt this way in a while so I thought I'd get it all out now in the hopes that I could move on....
This week I switched things up a bit...Ang is on a break from boot camp and so we decided it would be great to work out together....so she could work on her running and I could just continue on with my program but both have the benefit of support of each other and laughs (when we weren't dying). So we found a high school that is on both of our ways home from work and decided to run the track...during high school summer football workouts no less..... So not wanting her to wait until my usual time to work out we compromised and Mon started the workout at 6:30. Sun still fully on the track it was tough for the first part of the workout...27 min run/1min walk/2 min run. It was ok but I never fully got into a rhythm and it just didn't feel good the entire time....( I even managed to be unsuccessful in timing my running for when the sprinklers were spraying onto the track....give me relief lord :) ). Got through it and it was great to have Ang to walk a few laps and talk afterward as we warmed down. Now another point...this is a track...no hills nothing....shouldn't this be easier??????? What the f?? I forgot my watch so I couldn't time it but I think my times were actually better so may that's the other thing...I'm not used to someone running with me or near me so I felt pressure to increase speed therefore perhaps wearing me out faster...hmm. So today we did run #2....the program actually had me coming down to 20 min run for the first interval. Sky was overcast all day so we decided to head out a bit earlier so we could get it done. Found out it was still about 103 degrees out. Started at about 6....and was able to get 4 laps (ie 1 mile) down before the sun was out fully....my body was just in quit mode...it took everything in me just to finish at the 20 min mark....I actually wanted to quit at 15 min. Sorry if I sound crazy but ever have the couple minutes of insanity where all your brain is doing is telling you how much it just can't go on but you don't want to give in...and you're almost on the verge of a panic feeling...it felt like that...why am I getting this now?? Shouldn't this be showing up when I start increasing my distance and/or increase my speed....I've done this ...been doing this. And again...easier route. Had my watch today and my 1 mile pace did decrease to 14.50 so I did cut a almost a min...probably because of the flat land. I think the heat ultimately got to me today and yesterday to a degree. I think I'm just either going to have to convince Ang to go later or go back to my other routes....plus the track is so boring....oh hey there's the scoreboard...3 minutes later...oh hey there's the scoreboard...you catch my drift...very repetitious and not mentally stimulating. I was excited going into this week because I knew first I'd have my final run with Shelley Sunday morning...and also that I'd be starting the next phase...4 weeks to increase speed and/or distance...then the next phase of 16 weeks of both as well to get me close to the 13 miles by the race in November. So the most recent barrier...please let it be temporary.
Plus I guess what is bothering me mentally is that I need to get in more cardio on top of this as well as strength training...and I just don't know what do...because I want to swim at one place, run at another, and strength train at another...it makes it hard from a time perspective...I need to figure that out in my brain. And with finishing running at 8...I just want to stay up later because I know I have to start the day all over again..and I'm just not ready. Not about the workouts but from my hectic work hours and this in addition to it.
So on a positive note...don't get me wrong...I'm still farther along than my brain ever thought I would be and I'm seeing very positive results on the scale etc...so I'm very happy about that!!!
I'm just in a thing right now...and have to work it out mentally.
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Whoa!
ReplyDeleteThere's no way to say this nicely. YOU ARE INSANE! It was over 100 degrees yesterday when you did your running. I think you're so wrong about things not going well... You didn't pass out, you didn't throw up, you didn't have to go to the hospital with heat stroke. I think you did very well!
Stephanie, you have to be nice to your body and your brain. You HAVE to get out of the heat if you are going to improve your running enough for the half. I know it's difficult to work it into a schedule, but you staying healthy is WAY more important than any other schedule.
I know you must be tired of hearing it, but morning runs will take care of two of these problems. First, it's still in the 70s if you finish before 8am. Second, nothing else in your day can push your workouts aside - you get them done because they are priority. Just think about it.
And I'm not going to get started about pushing your pace because of others around you. Oh wait, yes I am.
I think I've already told you lots of times about how pushing the pace is the fast track to injury. Your pace is your body's way of protecting itself. If you push that just for appearance, you may do well this week, but odds are good that you forfeit showing up at the half injury-free.
So I'm impressed that under these conditions, you stuck with it and got the workouts done, BUT I'm extremely worried with the long-term viability of this plan. Please, please, please SLOW DOWN and run when it's cooler. I really want to do the Big Sur with you, and we've got a long road to go.
Steph - I totally agree with Shelley. You have got to get your run in early. You can't continue to run in this heat. Not only is it cooler but then you don't have to think about it the rest of the day. Plus, I think you would then go to bed earlier and sleep better. I know more than anyone how crazy your work is and I admire you greatly for all you are trying to accomplish. Just take care of yourself first and foremost. Love ya
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