I had an *epic* revelation this week.
After a disappointing performance at the 15k
I participated in on Saturday, I have decided that I need to cut back on my miles for a
few weeks. For the past 6 months, I have
been cranking out between 120-180 miles a month (maybe this is a little out of
control?). I’ve been nailing my speed
workouts for the most part, yet fell apart on Saturday. I think my legs might need a break. While I’m not going to cut out running
totally, I am definitely going to back off for the next few months and focus on
gaining more strength & try some new things.
Here’s how this week went down.
Monday: rest day with strength work at home – check!
Tuesday: rest day with strength/core work at home – check!
Wednesday: 11 miles,
interval workout – nailed it
Thursday: 6 miles
easy, strength work – changed it up to an 8 mile speed work out
Friday: rest
Saturday: Leaping Leprechauns 15k (my first 15k!) – can I
get a do over?
Sunday: 8 miles, 5 of
speed work – 2 mile walk with my sidekick Roscoe
Total running miles: 28.35 – probably one of my lowest
weekly mileage totals in months
Leaping Leprechauns
On Saturday, my frunner Luisa and I ran a local 15k. I have done several races that this race
director puts on and they are always well organized and hilly
challenging. This is the kind of race
you can show up to 5 minutes before gun time; where you can park across the
street from the start. Love that. This was also my first 15k!
I rocked the first mile out (9:01) and felt really comfortable, even with the hills, but soon everything went downhill. The
humidity that morning was nearly 100% as there was rain coming in. I didn’t think it would be a problem because
of how cool (50 degrees) it was out.
Well, it was. I guess I should be
happy with my time (1:35) because of all of the walking that I had to do in
order to catch my breath, but I’m still frustrated and want a do over!
Luisa *rocked* her race.
She ran the hills strong and finished 3rd in her division.
Luckily, I have a *few* races coming up where I hope to
redeem myself.
Today I took a rest day and went for a walk instead of
pounding out more miles. My IT band has
been letting me know it’s there and getting fussy...more validation that I better back
off a bit. Even though every run I do
means something (vs. just running to run and get in miles), I need to back off
a bit. I have been in “training” mode
since last June and haven’t let up a bit.
Bottom line…more is not always more.
What’s coming up?
Dallas Rock and Roll half marathon (my 5th in a
row!) – March 23
Fairview half marathon – April 5
El Chupacabra 10k (evening trail run) - April 12
What’s your next race?
You are amazing! I can't imagine why you are tired -- just reading those workouts makes me tired! I'm so proud of you! DK and I were talking today about how we want to be fast like you! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou still got out there and did it, that's what matters the most! You deserve a little rest every now and then. :-)
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