Darn, I had such a tough run today!
The plan called for 20 miles with 15 @ MP. Since this was a bonus 20 miler (nr 6, I usually do 5), I decided to warm up for .5 mile, than do the 15 @ MP, and then run 4.5 on hills at whatever pace felt comfortable. I left the house much later than expected and it was hot outside (73 degrees). I felt off from the beginning. My breathing was labored, my legs were heavy. I expected this to go away after the first few miles, but did not. At mile 5 I took 1/2 Jet Blackberry Gu, which I acquired last week while running on the Boston course. As soon as I took it I felt nauseous, but I plugged along. I took a rest at mile 10 and refilled my water bottles, while mentally preparing myself for 4 torturous hilly miles and 1 mile of steep downhill. And here it is where, my friends, I fell apart. I felt week, nauseous, dizzy, and I was completely out of breath. Now, this almost never happens to me. I don't even get out of breath during track workouts. I do get out of breath on hills, but I managed to control my breathing and return it to baseline quickly. Not this time. I got a little worried and tried to slow down, but of course my mind did not let that happen. I had these voices in my head going against each other: "This is great, this is a good reminder of how you are going to feel at the end of the marathon, you have not felt like this in a while, this is good, accept it and go through it" vs "I think you need to stop. I think something is wrong. I think you are going to pass out. Good thing you have your road ID on", vs "Stop catastrophizing, keep running", vs "Is this worth it"...and so on. I slowed down a bit, such that my average went from 7:34 for the first 10 miles, to 7:41 by mile 14. I hammered it downhill for the last mile and managed to get my average down to 7:37. A little slower than what I wanted and than my 20 miler last week, but I did it! The hardest 15 miles ever. I sat on the ground for a while, and than set out to finish the run. I ran 2 miles, and than I could not go any more. I told myself that 17.5 is pretty good. But I was not happy. I was v hungry and thirsty so I speed walked to a Dunkin' Donuts and got a coke and a raisin bagel, and walked home (1.5 miles). 19 miles (17.5 ran, instead of the planned 20? Nah, can't let that happen. So I went out in the afternoon and ran 3 miles on hills with Chris (who rarely runs outside a tennis or basketball court, but manages to kick my butt everytime we run together). NOW I feel ready to taper. Next week, 65% less mileage! These legs are in serious need for rest! I am chucking this run to the high temps and tired legs. In a way, I needed a bad run this training cycle, to humble me and help me realize that the weather is another element I need to account for when I plan my Boston race. Now I just need to be smart and taper! And what better celebration than hanging out at Lizard's Lounge in Cambridge with friends tonight!!!
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18 comments:
I think that your body was just telling you it is time to rest and taper, girl! You've abused it to the max this round and it was letting you know!! Great job sticking it out and persevering!!! I love how you're "human" and went and got a coke. I gave that crap up once, well for Boston last year, and then started again after and I don't run any worse for it than I do giving it up - hah! Welcome to taper!! I can't believe we've finally made it; seems like it's been eternity since we started this little journey! Enjoy your evening, you certainly deserve some downtime! btw, do you have any desire to meet up after the race on Monday? A group getting together for that and a blog group getting together on Sunday after the 5K. Let me know and I'll get you the info.!! It's been a true pleasure "training" for Boston with you, girl. I mean that!!!
i always wanted to run in the heat b/c i hated the cold, but once i was seriously training during the summer I finally realized how much the heat effects you. I would finally get a cool day and my run was easier and faster.
This was the first warm day all year so I can understand how it would have effected you on your run. It did a number on me as well.
Ana-Maria. Not so good to hear of a difficult run this late in your prep though you are pretty good at rationalising these things. Hopefully it was mere aberration. Try to get your head around 'what if it is a day like this on race day.' Time to reach for some "serenity" in your mind. All the body work is done - and has been done well. Just need to maximise the return you deserve from it. Paul :-)
I always feel like one long one in a marathon cycle is going to be bad, so that was yours. Plus doing back-to-back 20s is hard. Taper up now! I hate to say it, but I think Boston is due for a hot yr. this year--it's been a while. Hopefully not though!
I've heard if you don't have at least one bad long workout then you don't know if you are pushing yourself enough. And one pretty well respected triathlon coach told one of his athletes that her terrible long run meant she was ready. Taper up and you'll be fine.
Oh, and I'd love to run Boston in 73 degree temps. Last year was too cold for me.
I would have to agree with you on your temperature choice:) I perform better with lower temps. If it gets to hot or humid I am toast:) I will keep my fingers crossed that you have weather that is good for you and your running! Enjoy the rest of your weekend:)
It is so true that running in the hotter weather is tough after being in cold temps all winter! That is one of the things that often makes Boston tough for New Englanders, I think. In April the chances you MAY get a day like yesterday are pretty good--or it could be 40 and raw--but you just don't know, and your body has not adjusted to hotter weather at all at this point!
You got through that run, though. Congrats! Rest up now... and if it's warm, be sure to get out in the heat of it so you can try to acclimate! If nothing else, your body was forced to acclimate a bit yesterday,right? It can't hurt!
I think Jill has a great point, you are at your highest point of fatigue and the good news is that you've now had practice with a not perfect run so you mentally are even better prepared to push it once again on race day :)
It was definitely the heat. Without it, you would have been fine. That's what I think.
i have to agree with you about the heat/running in warm weather. as long s the sun is out during my winter runs, I am 100% of with running in the cold.
Huh, this is the first 'bad/hard run' I've read from you! now a day or two later, what do you think it was from? the heat, the exhaustion, both? hmm...
and now you the beginning of taper to your big race in 2 weeks!;-) Can't wait for you;-)
Great mindset AnaMaria. You also needed a good 'bad run' so you get it out of your system before the real deal! It's done. Noneed to take it too seriously.
That was the run that ensured you have a great Boston! I think we need those workouts where we fall apart to know we can survive when our A race arrives. You are ready!
first - good to get the bad run out of the way before race day! just because im supersticious like that :)
second - gah couldnt agree with your title more. i got so much grief when i was complaining about our 70+ degrees the other week but its NOT FUN to run in!! especially when there is no chance to acclimate in the middle. hopefully it cools off for you guys in the next 2 weeks and there is perfect weather on boston monday. 2 weeks to go :)
i agree with everyone else - i think you just needed to start pulling back and resting up for race day. you've trained very hard for the past few months, it's time to collect all the 'interest' and get ready for a big pay out :)
while i am loving the warmer temps... i would like at least a few weeks of running in the 50s-60s and not straight to the 80s! had to peel my clothes off after today's run and it's only april 5!
I'm sure it was the weather. I really believe that one of the reasons Boston is so hard is because you never know how warm it will be that day. You spend all winter training in cold temps and then it can be pretty warm on race day. Maybe it was even good luck to have one fairly warm long run before race day. Now your body has had a chance to remember what that warmer weather is all about.
Nice run btw ;)
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