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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Not Happening

Although I greatly enjoyed making my marathon training schedule, the reality is that I thought it would be much easier to follow than it is turning out to be.  I have been consistent in running my long runs every weekend, and track every Tuesday, but Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday are rather unpredictable.  Take yesterday and today, for example.

Yesterday I was scheduled to complete my track workout for the week.  Typically I run 2 miles at the gym, bike, and then go run 5 or so miles on the track - whatever workout I feel like doing on that day.  Some days are definitely better than others.  Yesterday, I ran my normal 2 miles on the treadmill at the gym (7:22 pace), walked a mile for stress-relief, biked a little, then headed to the high school track to meet the fast guys.

I actually got to the track 10 minutes early.  This is practically a miracle, because i am always late.  Always.  I ran a warm-up mile with one of the guys as we talked about workouts.  He told me he was going to do a ladder.  Not having decided what I would be doing, when we completed our warm-up I decided a ladder sounded good to me, too. 

Because I am one of the slowest that run track in the off-season, I typically do the workouts on my own.  No one is really close to my pace, so it is my only choice.  I started a ran a 400, then did a 400 recovery.  Next, 800 with 400 recovery followed by 1200 with 400 recovery, mile with 400 recovery, 800 with 400 recovery and a 400 with 400 recovery and then a cool-down.  I skipped the second 1200 because I didn't really want to run that distance - it is just a weird distance to run.  Since I am my own coach, I decided that I could skip it if I ran a 5+ second faster 400 (which I did - 1:24). 

All in all, Tuesday I ran just shy of 10 miles.  Then today rolled around.  I was supposed to run 5 miles.  I started running and realized that I would rather die than run 5 miles.  I was exhausted from Sunday's 19 miles and 10 or so yesterday.  The result?  I ran 3.5 miles and stopped.  I am sure my legs will thank me tomorrow when they have to run 9 miles. 

Sometimes it is not about following a plan, but listening to my body instead.  Sure, I could have ran an extra 1.5 miles, but would it be worth it?  No, not at all.  I am hoping this (smart) training will keep me injury-free in the upcoming months.

1 comment:

  1. I doubt there is anyone that understands this more than me. I am notorious for not following workout plans I set out for myself. It's almost like I have to follow something else because it makes me feel rebelious or something. I don't know. It annoys me.
    But as long as we get those long runs in, I feel whatever happens in between is all just maintenance.
    Keep it up. I think you're doing better than me!

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