This week as you will see below, I completed all of my plan. While that might sounds like a victory. It sure didn’t feel like one to me. I guess this week was just an off week all the way around.
I started the week off by sleeping in. I had slept really poorly on Sunday night and couldn’t get up and go for my usual run. Mr. T didn’t have job that day though, so in the afternoon, Snowflake and I went out for an afternoon run. She was on her bike and was doing a great job beating me throughout the run. About a mile from home on a downhill slope, she went down and went down pretty hard.
This is what her arm and hand looked like. Her hand was banged up on both sides. Her whole leg was banged up, she ripped her new favorite shirt, and even got her stomach as well. Mr. T and Pumpkin came to pick us up and my run ended about a mile short. Can you tell she is annoyed with me for taking her picture? So glad that now a week later, she is fine. I didn’t like seeing my baby get hurt like that.
The rest of the week training and exercise was, thankfully, uneventful. The night before my 4.5 mile (was supposed to be 5 mile run), I read an article in Runner’s World about speed training. They had a suggestion about running the first half of your run at a slower pace and stepping the second half of your run up to a faster pace. I tried that idea for my 4.5 mile run. I also added my usual 2 sections of running like my kids are chasing me into the second half of the run. I felt like it went well and challenged me to run faster for a longer time period than I would normally.
about speed training. They had a suggestion about running the first half of your run at a slower pace and stepping the second half of your run up to a faster pace. I tried that idea for my 4.5 mile run. I also added my usual 2 sections of running like my kids are chasing me into the second half of the run. I felt like it went well and challenged me to run faster for a longer time period than I would normally.
This is what I used for my 11.5 mile run this week. I like the taste of the strawberry Heed much better than the lemon lime HeedI used last week. I did actually use the Gelthis time. I also used the Nuun after my run along with a post run chocolate milk (4:1 ratio carbs to protein = excellent recovery drink).
much better than the lemon lime HeedI used last week. I did actually use the Gel
this time. I also used the Nuun
after my run along with a post run chocolate milk (4:1 ratio carbs to protein = excellent recovery drink).I didn’t have a very good run, so I can’t really say how well the Hammer products helped me this week. I think they did, but it certainly wasn’t like last week. I did complete the 11.5 mile run and finished it in 1 hour 55 minutes. My stupid IT band was hurting really badly during this run. It started around mile 4 and just got worse, to the point that I walked a ton during the last 3 miles.
helped me this week. I think they did, but it certainly wasn’t like last week. I did complete the 11.5 mile run and finished it in 1 hour 55 minutes. My stupid IT band was hurting really badly during this run. It started around mile 4 and just got worse, to the point that I walked a ton during the last 3 miles.I guess on the heels of last weeks great run, I just had expectations that this week would go as well. I thought that I was over the hump of the long runs being really hard. This was not the case this week. I felt really disappointed and really just wanted to cry after this run. It was so disappointing and frustrating. I just want to be able to go out there and run and see what I’ve got. In addition to not being able to just go out there and run, I was frustrated at just feeling so much slower and as though this run was sooo much harder. I did finish it and I need to give myself credit for that. Perhaps giving myself credit and moving on will allow me to forget how disappointed and frustrated I am with this weeks training.
I know things like this happen to all runners. I know we all have weeks that are fantastic and others that just suck. I know it is totally normal. I just don’t like it. I also think that I need to get myself back to the physical therapist because had this week been race week, I’m not sure I would have been able to finish. I was in a lot of pain at the end. I really want to be able to run this half marathon. My goal is to get to the Dr. this week to get the referral and to get back to physical therapy. I’m both looking forward to it and dreading it. I know that I will need to get more dedicated to doing specific exercises and doing them daily, possibly two times a day. I dislike it and find it a pain to devote that much time to it, but it is necessary and will be good for my body.
Let’s hope for a better week this week.
Happy running to you!
what was the gel like? did you take it in one gulp? I have some to try next time but I’ve never done it before!
It was kind of what you think it would be. I don’t really like the texture of it, but unless I want to stop to actually eat something, I think that is what there is. I probably ‘ate’ it in 3 or 4 swallows. I was kind of nervous to try it. Not sure why, but I was. I used one without caffeine as too much caffeine gives me heart palpitations. They say the caffeine can really give you an energy boost.
I do commend you highly for setting this goal for yourself and having what looks like an amazing plan!
That looks like a nasty boo-boo your daughter got & it stinks that she ruined her fav shirt in the process. Glad she’s feeling better tho.
Thank you! The plan looks good, it is not always fun implementing the plan, though. 😉
I’m so glad my daughter is doing better, too!
Do not be discouraged. I’m very proud of you for completing this portion of your training. Although my distances are much shorter than yours, I can relate to those feelings of frustration and wanting to cry. I think I put more pressure on myself than I should at times, but I looking at my deadline and at my time and sometimes it seems I’m taking a big step forward only to take two back, but I’m going to keep pressing on and you will too! Perhaps after a visit to the doctor, things will continue to get better and better.
Qs. Do you order these gels or what type of store sells these products?
Thank you, Libby. You are right, I think we must be similar. I put more pressure on myself than is truly necessary(probably most of the time). My Dad keeps trying to remind me that I need to trust that I have trained plenty and the goal is to cross the finish line rather than the time being so important. I know he is right, but sometimes it is hard to let go and apply the advice. I did visit the Dr. and will start Physical therapy this week, so I am sure that will help.
As far as the gels, I got mine at REI. You can order them on amazon, but I am sure that you could get them at a local sports store or if you have a running or bike store, the would have them as well. They may have different brands, so you will just have to figure out what you like and what works for you. HTH
Take care
My husband is training for a half so I will have to share this with him. I myself need a 0.0 sticker for my car! I found you via the 6 Sisters Strut!
Diana
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Lol! I love the 0.0 sticker, that is cute! I hope your husband’s half goes really well for him.