I've been struggling with some really tired legs since my race. I've done several pretty hard runs, and managed to hit my paces (OK, confession time, I did run my track workouts way, way faster than I was supposed to, stupid, I now). I am entertaining the idea that I peak quickly and go flat thereafter.
Case in point:
2010 - HM PR by 7 minutes, one month later feeling flat at Boston 2010 (blister as well, but I did feel flat).
2011 - 30K @ 6:57, one month later feeling flat at Baystate (still great result, but I was capable of more).
I am a fast twitch gal. I believe my best distances are 200m and 400m. The longer the distance, the more I slow down. I've got some really strong quads which help with the speed. I can take a lot of pain, but for short periods of time. This also means that I tire easily and I am starting to believe that my body can only handle 8 weeks max of speed before needing rest. Although I had a great 5K last weekend, I am confident that I could have had a better one 1 or 2 weeks before. This is something I am going to discuss with my coach and take into consideration when planning for my fall marathon. I think I need a long base, with lots of 20 milers, all at MAF HR, and then an 8 week push of speed and MP. My MAF pace has gone down a lot and I believe that when rested, my current MAF pace is lower or close to my MP PR pace. Crazy.
So, I think I am going to need to rest a bit in May. I so happen to travel for a conference in Hawaii on May 10th, and then go to Maui for a vacation with the family, and what better time to rest than then? I can swim more and run less, and just move away from a strict season. The stress will be gone and I won't need the endorphins as much as I do during the typical work week. More time for my family, and now that Petru swims well, he and I can have a ton of fun in the water. Can't wait!
The folks at Run in Blue posted a couple of photos. Interesting to see myself run. I tend to run with my head down instead of looking ahead. My shoulders are not straight. But, I do have a good knee drive and I don't heel strike.
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| Start line. Big race, ha? |
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| At the start. Doing some jumps to stay warm. See Tim, sometimes I do listen! |
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| Starting - hunched over, looking at my feet, arms all over the place...hmm |
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| Crossing the finish line with my eye on the watch |
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| Finish line |
12 comments:
I haven't read this yet but can't wait. On our way to Eugene in a minute but just saw the pics and had to comment really quick. You look so strong and FIT!! And fast. :) These are great pictures AM! I'll be back to read in detail. Those tired legs will get some much needed recharging in Hawaii for sure!!
You're flying! I wish I had your fast twitch capabilities! The only fast twitch I have is my eye when I'm telling a lie. Kidding. Or lying.
Ahem, anyway, I bet you need rest after that smoking 5k. That was super speedy!
That vacation sounds wonderful!
Are you coming to Oahu? Shoot me an email if you are! :)
Rest? You don't rest..:)
Hawaii does sound like a perfect spot for a little recovery before a HUGE launch. I like your ideas on training. lots of 20 milers...with what in between? Totally curious now.
Love you, AM. Putting you in my pocket tomorrow!
You look great! I'm wondering if your flat feeling is really just your coach finding your breaking point. I get feeling flat after a season that ends with a marathon or even a half, but recovery from a 5k is usually quick (hence racing them weekly in college). But you've been running w/o rest for months now! Maybe your coach has finally accomplished his task of tiring you out! Hawaii sounds perfect! I want to come too!
OK-back to this! Read it yesterday! I'm going to email this morning while stalking Raina so I'll keep comment short!
I do hope you rest a little in May. You've been going non-stop for months. If your mind is starting to entertain thoughts of rest, I think your body perhaps needs it. What do I know-ha!
Love the pics. Oh my-That looks like a race around here with the start line-exactly!! See why I would feel goofy wearing that yellow top...lol!! Nice legs!!
I can't hold long cycles either, which is why I think that I'm having some issues right now. For me I think my bulk max is 12 weeks, anything after that my bod just starts to flatline and break down. Wish I would have thought about that a bit more before I ventured on a 16 week half marathon cycle where I'm now in week 13 with a bum knee that is raising hell.
No fast twitch muscles here! Wish I had some!
@ Gracie - I wish I had your slow twitch capabilities
@ Britt - I think you and I are similar here. But I think you have a ton of fast twitch:)
@Katie - yup, agreed! Now I can't wait for Providence!
@Jenn - yes, the smaller race ever. Almost like Fresh Pond. I know, 70+ days of nonstop running. What do you know - I LOT:)
@Raina - yes, I don't rest. But in my old age, I need to learn the rest thing.
You think you were faster 1-2 weeks ago? Maybe you should discuss with your coach the possibility that you peaked too early because you do all your workouts faster than you are supposed to do:)
You look SO fast in those photos and SO fit! I'm not surprised you're feeling tired. Glad to hear you're going to get a chance for some r&r - I think it's sorely needed.
I think the rest is totally fine. Your body needs it (obviously). Have a great time on your vacation.
-M
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