Trouble with Training? --Seeking advice and wisdom!

[FireWoman]

I'm training for my first Half, the Tink, in January of course, and just in the last two weeks it is NOT going well. The last time I was able to run well, my long run was 8 miles, and it was so smooth and perfect. And since that point, I have hardly been able to complete just the 1 hour runs though the week, and certainly not the long runs.

My training schedule is M: 60 min W: 45min Th: 20min (speed training) Sa: Long run


It's been between 24-30 out (OY!) where I am, so is that a critical factor? Is it normal to "hit a wall" even just with training? I'm so frustrated, and starting to get nervous. I don't know if I should push myself harder, or ease up.

Thoughts?

Can you relate?

 

[Bookwood]

My thought is "seasonal too much to do disorder" its a hard time of year to have great training. Weather, holidays and everything kind of build up this time of year. My advice is hang in there it should get better (as long as you don't have a physical problem.)

I hope your next run is excellant- those "almost to good to be true" runs make us want all of them to be like that! LOL

 

[cewait]

Hang in there. Next time you head out for a run - make it an out and back run, if you can. Run out 30 minutes then turn around and run home.... It's hard to cut it short. Or, if you have friends who run, head out with them. The commitment of running with someone is huge.

What you are searching for is key or mental game you can play that will push you through the I want to stop thoughts. We all suffer through them to some degree. You WLL find your cue to get past this and will be ok next month.

Finally, take comfort in knowing that you can run the TInk today based on your 8 mile run. Use that to pull back the nerves with your running.

 

[johde]

It sounds like your in good shape, so far. I remember the first time I hit 8 mile was a rough patch for me. I took a cut back week, that was in my plan, and then repeated 8 before moving on to 9. Once I got past that one hurdle, it was fairly smooth sailing the rest of the way. Good luck on the rest of your training.

 

[mickeysgal]

I am a new runner approaching my first half. I had a terrible short run last week. Everything hurt, my legs felt like a million pounds from the start, I was overdressed and hot, I felt slow and I was way out of the sweeper pace cut-off. I made it through the hour but couldn't even hit 4 miles. I decided to wait three days instead of two when scheduling my weekend long run to give myself time to rest up whatever was ailing me. Had a great long run of 11 miles on Sunday. Give yourself time to get over the funk of that bad run - mentally and physically. It did a major number on my head and it was hard to get out there again - I had even questioned whether I should be attempting this half. I think I just hit a wall and my middle-aged body was reacting to the training I had been subjecting it to.

 

[mamacate]

Thanks for this post. I haven't visited this board in a week or two, and it's nice to know AGAIN that I'm not alone! I ran a 5K race weekend before last, then went out of town for a whirlwind week of meetings. I only got one run in on my business trip, and while it was beautiful (along the esplanade in Boston), I felt slow and heavy and blah. (This may have had to do with a week of work cocktail parties and rich food.)

I didn't get out this weekend (too much penance for my week away, plus my spouse's birthday), and I'm feeling freaked out that I'm not on track for the Princess in Feb. I did my first 10-miler three weeks ago, and I figure I'll probably be okay, but I feel like my training is slipping, and it has just been too crazy to get out there. This post makes me feel better about my "too much to do" life, and reminds me that I can get back there (and I figure if Coach Charles says an 8-mile run means you'd be okay, then I suppose I'd be okay too).

So thanks. And you're not alone. And I'm going to try to get out there tomorrow, one way or the other.

Cate

 

[FireWoman]

Thank you so much for the support and ideas!

I didn't know Coach Charles had said that, but I'll tell you, when I ran the eight, I felt I could run the Half!

I've discovered that my exercise induced asthma is MUCH worse in the cold. I've heard some tips from friends to cover my mouth with a scarf, to breathe in warm air. Hopefully this strengthens me.

I DID do the run out, run in, as hillwork, so I could have an excuse (haha) for being slower than normal. My pacing was very good, actually, which is motivating me to keep on keeping on!

I think I am having a hard time with all that is going on, not eating the best ever (thank you Thanksgiving through New Year's. lol), and the asthma. I have felt weak, and I think this is a combination of all factors. I have to remind myself that I know how to do this, and I've been running for some time now, and I can do it!

We'll see how Saturday goes!

Thanks again!

 

[cewait]

Thank you so much for the support and ideas!

I didn't know Coach Charles had said that, but I'll tell you, when I ran the eight, I felt I could run the Half!

I've discovered that my exercise induced asthma is MUCH worse in the cold. I've heard some tips from friends to cover my mouth with a scarf, to breathe in warm air. Hopefully this strengthens me.

I DID do the run out, run in, as hillwork, so I could have an excuse (haha) for being slower than normal. My pacing was very good, actually, which is motivating me to keep on keeping on!

I think I am having a hard time with all that is going on, not eating the best ever (thank you Thanksgiving through New Year's. lol), and the asthma. I have felt weak, and I think this is a combination of all factors. I have to remind myself that I know how to do this, and I've been running for some time now, and I can do it!

We'll see how Saturday goes!

Thanks again!

Have a great run this weekend.

Scarfs are thought to help in cold weather.

 

[FireWoman]

Have a great run this weekend.

Scarfs are thought to help in cold weather.

LOL! Yeah.....

And I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were *THE* Coach Charles! I've seen you quoted a lot through the board!



Thanks so much for the reassurance and responses!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Have a great run this weekend.

You will be fine for your event. I love the cold weather training, not ice/snow like we get here, but cold. The scaarf could be just the thing for you. Getting out and "seeing what you can do" some days is all you need to get started.