As you know, a little over a month ago, I embraced the RRCA theory of running slow to run fast. It basically involves running a LOT of miles slowly. Tonia and G recently embraced this method and have been knocking out PRs left and right, so it does work. Unfortunately, I managed to injure myself while I was still in the very beginning of building my mileage to the kind of mileage RRCA recommends, so I had yet to see those kind of gains.
Right now, I’m instead embracing a different theory. It’s the “run slow to run at all” theory. I ran three times last week for a grand total of 6.3 miles. Two of the runs were very slow on the treadmill and were pain free. The last run was in my hilly neighborhood, not quite as slow, and in the wrong pair of shoes (not my new ones). Guess what? Yep, I had some pain. I could definitely feel it on the uphills and there were some twinges on the downhills. Thankfully, my digestive system got in on the act and I ended up walking the last half mile home, thereby saving myself from really hurting myself again.
So, for now, I’m running slowly and I’m running on the treadmill. But at least I’ll be running.
I’ll also be hitting up the gym and taking Bikram yoga and taking my Vitamin D and hoping I can manage to keep the darkness at bay until I can really hit the pavement again.
Any other suggestions for beating the winter blahs? I can use everything I can find since I’m not getting my requisite running endorphins right now.
definitely take your Vitamin D! I take mine everyday and it makes a huge, huge difference. I try to do Yoga once a week and that helps too. the only hard part is I have a hard time clearing my mind sometimes, but my body feels so good and stretched out after. It is funny, I embraced the "run slow to run fast" method too and it does work. just take your time you will get there.
can you try a spin class ??? it is a great cardio workout not sure where your injury is … sorry so for the winter blahs. i try to set goals for myself even if it is as little as calling my mom. helps me stay focused
Eat oranges and other citrus fruit. I have no science to back it up, but citrus always makes me feel better in the winter. For one thing, we can get really yummy oranges, tangerines, tangelos, etc. in the winter months, whereas they are kind of bland in the summer. And nothing reminds me of sunshine like a beautiful bright tangy orange. And the vitamin C can't hurt, especially with little ones in school. One of my favorite winter salad is orange sections tossed with red onion and a red wine vinaigrette.
i certainly don't have the answer for the winter blahs. but if you figure it out, let me know!
That must be what I am doing ……..running slow to run at all! Glad to know it is a method!!! I am so nervous with any twinge. Now my knees seem to be getting in on the act! I guess I am getting old.
I hope you are back to "normal" soon, but in the meantime it's awesome that you can at least put in some easy miles on the mill.Things I'm doing to beat the winter blahs:-painted the house-redecorating some of the house (reupholserting chairs)-cleaned out my closet-shopping for new clothes-planning a party
I hope you are able to keep the winter blahs at bay. I have no suggestions 🙁
Awe, that stinks.Thanks for the shout out. I was just singing the praises of Run Slow to Run Fast a few hours ago after I ran my shiny new GBA 5K PR.I might try adding dried fruit or butternut squash (or other high in A food). The vitamin A should help speed muscle repair. Don't bother taking it in vitamin form though, you really need to eat it.
I run slow to run slow because I can only run slow. Keep it going, slow is good!
Try to get outside every day, even if it's just for a walk around the block! I find that this helps since I work at home, and if I'm just driving to gym or for groceries, I barely see the light of day. A little fresh air does wonders!
This may sound silly – but singing out loud to my favourite songs always makes me feel good. And laughing. Both give the shot of endorphins that you need.
Sounds like the method I read about in "complete book of running". Based on your 10k time it gives 3 different training paces…. vo2, lactate threshold and economy. 🙂 are the rrca guidelines available anywhere? Or just from your training?P.s. vitamin d makes me feel 1000 x better!