Welp, things got off track a bit. I made the rookie mistake of running two hard workouts back to back "because I could" and my body told me to slow my roll. I think I'm in the same place that I was at this time last year where I just needed to run less. So that's exactly what I've been doing!
I'm linking up with the Weekly Run Down, please head over to Kim and Deborah to check it out.
I skipped last week's recap. Running and I weren't in a good place, so the old "if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all" adage seemed to apply. I've gone from never, ever wanting to run again to doing short runs. Rather than take you through the usual "day by day step by step" recap, let me tell you about a few things:
A Good Listen
Sarah's recap of her virtual Marine Corps Marathon is IMO a very worthy listen. And only 15 minutes long.
Something New that I'm Checking Out
^^Sarah used RunCoach for her training plan. I'm in a place where I'm kind of out of ideas for what to do besides "just run" so I checked it out. I set up the "get faster" program based on my 5k time and plugged in my preferred running schedule (long on Saturday, speedy on Tues & Thurs, easy on Mon & Fri). I don't fully understand how to use the website and it's a little glitchy, but I like the workouts that I've tried so far.
The Best Run I've Had Lately
The workout that I did on Thursday via RunCoach (pictured above) was magical. 10 minutes moderate pace - 5 minutes 5k pace - 10 minutes moderate pace - 5 minutes 5k pace. I thought there was no way that I could transition from 5k back to moderate without a recovery, especially in my semi-burned out state. It turns out that I can and what's more it feels good.
Project sub 30 5k Status
Uncertain. I got into a bad cycle of not being able to do the exact workouts that I wanted because of the weather and feeling that I needed to catch up which burned me out. My #1 running principle is that if it isn't fun then it's wrong, and the past few weeks haven't been fun so...I'm backing off until it gets fun again.
That's all I've got for this week! Any RunCoach fans out there?
Until next time...Imma keep running.
You've been running a lot and it sounds like your body is asking for a little break! I've never used RunCoach, but it's always fun to put someone else in charge of your training. I am with you on the fun philosophy, which is why I backed out of that 50k and dropped to the half marathon on my now postponed trail race. We don't have to do this, we get to do it, so let's enjoy it. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteAmen, WE GET TO DO THIS
DeleteI have my own running coach but I love the personalized workouts and the training regimen. It keeps me wanting to do the workouts. I tend to skip workouts when I'm not being held accountable.
ReplyDeleteI go back and forth on wanting to run-and not wanting to. Right now i want to but only because the weather is FINALLY nice and I can't run right now haha. Other than that I'm enjoying the cross training and mixing it up in terms of new workouts. It doesn't hurt to do that once in a while!
It is so unfair that that you can't run right now (necessary but unfair). I'd like to try a "real" coach sometime, using the website is a (free) baby step in that direction.
DeleteI bet that running a little less will help you to reach your goals! Its smart that you are listening to your body. Hopefully you will be back to feeling like yourself soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa!
DeleteI have not tried runcoach before but I hear it's popular. If you are looking to mix it up might be fun. I tend to over do it when I do speed work so I am content running pain free right now and just getting my base back up. Thanks for linking
ReplyDeletePain free is always the #1 goal of running!
DeleteSounds like you may have had a touch of burnout, so very wise to ease up on the running. When I registered for the Air Force Marathon, we got a free RunCoach program...but the marathon got deferred before I ever tapped into the program. I'll be curious to hear more about your experience with it.
ReplyDeleteI'll keep you posted!
DeleteI've never heard of Run Coach, but sounds like a good option. This time of year can be challenging, and there are a lot of other stressors out there right now too. Totally okay to be kind to yourself if you need a little break or a back-off!
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice tool to have in the toolbox so far. My body is also probably still dealing with the Too Many Half Marathons thing.
DeleteYou are so wise to listen to your body and I love your sentiment that if running is no longer fun, its time to back off and regroup. Just remember that the gains we make from hard workouts happen on our rest days.
ReplyDeleteExactly, it's almost like the gains from running come from the days that we don't run.
DeleteGlad your runlationship is trending in the right direction. 2020 is hard and we need to roll with it.
ReplyDeleteOne of the races I did used RunCoach but I never did anything with it
(My computer crashed, so apologies if you get this twice)
Something about the website isn't intuitive for me...not sure if it's the website or me. But so far I like the workouts and the new ideas so we'll see where this goes.
DeleteYou're smart to listen to your body - it will pay off!
ReplyDeleteI used a run coach when I trained for my marathons but I don't currently have one now. What I loved about having a run coach was that it took the guess work out of my workouts, which was a huge plus!
Correct! It's like "someone else figure this out".
DeleteI've never used RunCoach or any coach.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I just don't have the time to commit to workouts and it would be a waste.
So I have to satisfied to sub-par results. I try to stay positive about my running. Some days it is very hard.
That's what's holding me back from working with a "real" coach, although I admit it doesn't make a lot of sense since I almost never miss workouts or have to cut them short. I think it's just me doing what I want to do.
DeleteI’m all over short runs. Wendy may be on to something with your body needing a break. I like the Peloton running workouts because they lead you through intervals, but they are not part of a coherent plan.
ReplyDeleteShort is sweet!
DeleteIn these situations, listening to your body is so important. I think taking some time will be a wise choice for you and you'll be able to resume planned workouts as normal!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenn!
DeleteI have a coach and am enjoying my workouts with him. What I am worried about is if the weather will affect any of my runs. Well, more like how will I feel about running in the cold weather. Not really looking forward to it at all.
ReplyDeleteI know Garmin has a few running plans. Check them out! It's been a rough year. And I agree, if it isn't then, then why do it at all?
Amen...the #1 and only rule of running is to have fun.
DeleteWhen running stops being fun that is always a signal to me that it's time to back off a little. I've worked with a running coach on several occasions and have always enjoyed the experience. I look forward to hearing what you think of Run Coach as you use it more.
ReplyDeleteAgree. I think that Run Coach is kind of a no-risk baby step toward working with a coach in the future.
DeleteIt's annoying when the weather screws up your plans. And I agree that it needs to be fun. My theory is that because you have been so consistent over the past 9 months, you will run a faster 5K than you expect. Even though you haven't been doing as many of the 5K-specific workouts, there is so much to be said for general consistency improving your baseline speed.
ReplyDelete