Or maybe my body hates me. It certainly felt like it last night. My allergies are driving me crazy, so my breathing was off. My ankle was stiff and my legs were tired. I really didn’t want to run, but it was one of those runs I needed to do. And to add insult to injury, my digestive system decided to add some commentary at about 2.5 miles in to what turned out to be a 3 mile run.
I try not to get down about the fact that I don’t seem to be getting much faster overall. I can manage a “fast” run every once in a while and I do ok at speedwork, but I’m not making any consistant gains. I try to remind myself that I run to stay healthy and to be a good mom, but honestly, right now I’m kind of pissed at my body for not improving.
I’ve thought about not running for a while, but I’m not sure my marriage could survive that. So, c’mon body, give me a good run and start showing me some steady improvement.
If today’s run sucks as bad as last night’s, I’m going to drink my weight in beer tonight. Oh, wait. I think that was the plan anyways…
oh carp. I had some of these same thoughts recently. I wish I could be all "you're a great runner, just relax and let your body do it's thing…" but frankly, I suspect you feel like me, which is, "Is this it?" My thoughts in response to YOU (as this is YOUR blog) go a little like this though… do you think that maybe, just maybe, you should wait until, oh I don't know, the fall pollen bloom is fading, the dry air isn't so dry, and the hectic craziness of back to school is fading before you decide you are going to give up running? Maybe running doesn't hate you, maybe you should just try to gauge your running more fairly, like, in a more relaxed state of mind? like, maybe… October…?(OK. Yea, I know: pot = me…. kettle = you…)
I totally second G's opinion. It's amazing how hard we are on ourselves when we'd never think such mean things about somebody else. In my case, I can work and work and work with little to show for it for months. Then, suddenly, my biggest improvements come when I least expect them.Hang in there!!
You think YOUR body hates you? Try having a cranky knee that forces you to be sidelined for 3 months. Then a false start when you try running again. I can't even get out there consistently. Wah!
My partner in crime is so wise. Listen to her.As for the speed, yes, everyone has a max. Chances are you haven't hit it yet. But remember, running fast is for races. Running slow(er) and consistantly is the key to long term, injury free training.
I hear ya. I get it. But I can give you advice I can't take for myself. Be proud of what you can do and keep perspective of the why you are doing it! And if it makes you feel any better….You are way faster than me still!
So been there before – you've got a lot on your plate right now and balancing it makes something give: looks like its your running. I think you're doing awesome, especially with your barefoot. Don't be too down on yourself – it's in you!Have fun tonight!!!
The right run is out there waiting on you. Think about how long you've been waiting for these cooler temps! Enjoy your night tonight!
Here's to better runs in the future.
I get what you are saying too, and I know it is HARD. Hang in there though. You are inspiring and strong and beautiful and you will get through the rough patches and be stronger for it! As for the allergies… UGH … have them too and they SUCK. G is right though Oct will be here soon and the annoying ragweed will not be quite so annoying :o)
Hope the runs get better!! Have fun with that beer though!
hope your beer hit the spot! i think we all go through a slump like this. Just think how far you've come and what you have accomplished!
I hear ya. I had lots of improvement through the spring, but am on an even pace now with just the odd run where I somehow go a bit speedier. I'm telling myself cooler temperatures will bring more speed! For now, enjoy that beer!
Keep your good attitude and your body will finally come around….. Drinking my weight in BEvERages sounds like an interesting challenge.
I say enjoy the beer and keep going. Just remember that the good runs are out there still waiting to be re-discovered!
If only our body always did what we wanted . . . life would be easier!!!!Hang in there – hoping that your next run is better. I just lost my toenail – from the madison mini. Hoping that my run tomorrow morning will be OK without my second toe's nail.
You will have the great fabulous run soon. 🙂 Enjoy your beer.
We all have crappy runs like the one that you had. Don't worry, you will be back to yourself soon:)My allergies are driving me totally bonkers too! OMG, I just want to breathe through my nose and stop sneezing every two minutes!I hope that your beer was satisfying!
Besides having horrible allergies now too, I am sidelined with an IT band injury. Forcing myself to NOT run is HARD…I'm so itching to go but I need complete recovery. Then, when I get back out there I'm hoping that I'm not starting back at square one….I am already slow enough. Hang in there – bet your next run will be GREAT!
You probably already cross train, but I find biking and weights particularly helpful in boosting me to the next level. They not only give your legs a break, the rapid turnover in cycling helps your speed, and weight training keeps everything strong and prevents injury – something I wish I'd kept up a little better. I'm rehabbing now from that mistake.
Sometimes I think that also, but nah running loves runners and that was the reality.