From a training standpoint, last week was a week of highs and lows. I made the mistake of running my recovery runs to fast plus stress levels were high here as the boys were starting school.
This resulted in a total failure of my 1.5 mile repeats on Tuesday. I just could not hold my goal pace. I know a big piece was mental, because the run didn’t feel hard, it just seemed hard. And I couldn’t make myself complete it. I could have beaten myself up about it, but I just wrote it off. Sometimes you just can’t handle life and running at the same time.
Wednesday I managed an easy 5 miles in the misty rain. My hip had been bothering me off and on since Monday, but between stretching and my Addaday stick, I was able to run without pain. I thought about running a second time when I went to run club, but I ended up just hanging out with friends while Beer Geek and some other people ran. It happens.
Thursday was long run day. My mind totally gets in the way of long runs. I don’t know why, but I totally psyche myself out if I know I’m going out for a long run. Thankfully my running partner is one of the most positive people I know and meeting her got me out on the run. And we did awesome. Despite some hip issues in mile 8, we ran a decent pace for the 10 miles, with the last one being uphill and fastest!
After being spoiled with a protein shake and some massage work on my hip (she and her husband are both massage therapists), I tried to take it easy. In fact, I continued the easy through the next day and took a rest day (and a nap) LOL. I’d run 8 days in a row and was worried I was on the verge of overtraining.
And then Saturday happened. I was TIRED. I was UNMOTIVATED. I did not want to run. I finally talked myself into running an easy 3 miles. Instead, I ran 9 miles at a 10 minute pace. What??? I have no idea what happened. My legs just took off and didn’t want to slow down. Unexpected tempo run DONE.
Sunday I may have paid for that fast run. I woke up a bit sore at stupid early so I could organize the water stop for a local race. I had an amazing group of workers, so the water stop was ready to go by 7am – and the race didn’t start until 8am. Go us.
After a few hours on my feet, my run wasn’t great. I managed 4 unimpressive miles, in between stalking the weather channel, the Washington Post, and Facebook for Irma updates.
And then… the highlight of my week. Girls’ night out to see Richard Marx and Rick Springfield. There’s something kind of trippy about listening to music you loved in your teens and early 20s at a venue you haven’t been to since you were 17 while needing reading glasses to read your phone LOL. I will say that Richard Marx put on a great show! (Rick Springfield was ok, but I discovered I only really knew 1 song – Jessie’s Girl.)
This coming week is a high mileage week that culminates in our next 16 mile long run. But that’s ok – we’ve signed up to do a half marathon and will then run home after. Problem solved. Let lucky week 13 commence!
I’m linking up with HoHo and MissSippiPiddlin for the Weekly Wrap and Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC for my training update.
Great training week for you! I’ve had those runs where I expect them to be awful and they are great. (And vice versa too.) I hope your hip settles down. I’ve seen Richard Marx in concert! He was the opening act for REO Speedwagon. I think I’m telling my age… Are those cupcakes in the picture? Yummy!
Yay! for unexpected tempo runs!! Isn’t it crazy how we can have such great runs on the tail of those that the wheels just seem to fall off of? I’m always so thankful for those!
Oh, I love Rick Springfield! I know exactly what you mean about the age thing though…. several years ago, the hubs and I went to see Chicago in concert and we were laughing at how old the crowd looked then looked at each other and said …’well, I guess that means we look old too’ Lol
Wow so glad to hear your training is going so well. You have gotten super speedy too!
Shoot – Steve & I were at that concert last night too! Wish we had known you were there.
It’s great to have runs that just click. I’m surprised mine seem to be when I feel so tired, and then the run makes me feel better.
What a fun girl’s night! That Elderberry beer sounds interesting.
wow…a 9-miler when you didn’t even feel like 3? I’d love that to happen to me some time (when I actually AM running a 3-miler LOL). Great week!
Great week – and yay for the unexpected tempo run! Richard Marx & Rick Springfield?! What a flashback! I don’t think I know another Springfield song either.
Despite the ups and downs, you had a really solid week! I dont’ think I’ve ever run 8 days in a row…my body would revolt! The rest definitely sounds like it did the trick, rewarding you with that speedy run!
Great week of training. Your Saturday impromptu tempo run was impressive!
That must have been a great concert! I love Richard Marx!! Good luck on your 16 miles and it looks like to have a plan to make it happen.