Today I ran a slow three miles on the treadmill. I ran there for two reasons: a threatening rain storm and because I really wanted to stay slow and I’ve been sucking at that lately. It was a nice 30 minute run. I worked up a good sweat because the basement was warm, but didn’t get my heart rate too high or wear out my legs.
The half marathon is on Sunday. I can’t wait until it’s over. I’m having a bit of a crisis of confidence about running that distance at a decent speed. I’m not sure why – I did just run a 10 mile race at the pace I want to run. I keep telling myself that I can just run at a nice pace and enjoy myself, but I’m not sure I can accomplish that. Guess we’ll see.
As soon as the race is over, I’m taking a step back. I’ve been pushing hard since January and running has become something I have to do, rather than something I want to do. I’m going to back off on my mileage goals and just try to be active at least 5 days a week. If that means taking the kids to the park and playing soccer or walking with friends or whatever, that’s what I’m going to do. I need to get back to the point of running for my mental health instead of running just to improve my speed or my stamina. Nothing new here, I go through this periodically, usually when I’ve been pushing myself for a race. This is my last “goal” race until October, so if I slack off a bit, it won’t affect any new PRs. ;o)
I’ve been succeeding at the drinking more water and eating healthier, but my more sleep goal has been totally undermined by my darling children. I’ve gone to bed earlier, but they’ve woken up more often. Not sure what’s going on. Shoo normally sleeps through the night, so I figure he’s either coming down with something or about to hit a developmental milestone. Jones has always been an awful sleeper, so his issues are nothing new, sigh. He’ll sleep when he’s a teenager, right? Even so, I haven’t had afternoon caffeine in two days, woot. I’m feeling a little bit better, not quite so completely on edge, but I still have a ways to go.
Now if we could just get a decent amount of sun around here…
taking a step back when running becomes something you have to do is a great idea. Incorporating more crosstraining and other activities will challenge your body differently and provide something new! Good luck this weekend!
If you ran run a 10-miler at pace, you can do the half. Just tack on a little 5K at the end. ;)And just remind yourself that once you get through it, you have some nice no-pressure days ahead.
You are going to do great in the 1/2. Looking forward to the race report.You are such a smart lady to know that you need to back off a little from training mode and not keep pushing and pushing. I’m in the “backing off” phase until August and it’s kind of nice. I’m just going to run for fun for a few months before the next 16-week marathon training starts.
Been a slacker with posting to you…catching up with some of your previous stuff….I felt the same way when I trained for the marathon…I HAD to run, but wasn’t enjoying it. After doing more crosstraining with P90X, I actually started to MISS running…and that’s when I knew I had taken a long enough break. It sounds like you’ve made such awesome improvements…consider your break just another reward! 🙂
I’m glad you’ll soon be at a point where you can step back a bit and just enjoy running… simply running.Good job on the changes you’ve been making! I hope the kiddos cooperating soon. 😛
The step-back sounds great – good timing since school will be done & time for summertime FUN FUN FUN!You'll kick @$$ this weekend 🙂
Stepping back sounds like a good idea, adding in different exercises should be fun. Great job with drinking more water and giving up caffiene in the afternoon. I keep thinking I should quit drinking coffee and then I hit a wall in the afternoon and have another cup.
Taking a step back from running is smart every once in awhile. Everyone deserves a break.Maybe slip the kids a little hit of Benadryl before bed tonight 🙂
I’m all for giving the kiddos a little benadryl:) You’ll do great in your half this weekend, especially knowing that afterwards you’ll be taking it a little easier. Have a great race!!
Have fun this weekend! It really looks like a lot of fun even if you’re not feeling that confident about how you’ll do. And happy mother’s day. I don’t suppose your boys could start sleeping through the night as your gift? 😉
We all need a step back now and again. Good luck this weekend, I know you’ll do great!