So yep, the 5k+1 race I did yesterday was the same. I don't have the correct words to communicate how frustrated I am. I just know that so many runs have been like this lately that it has greatly shaken my confidence. I've mentioned this in previous posts. My time is not close to where it was last year, especially at the half marathon distance. I am not talking about winning or not winning awards here, I am just comparing my own times...just me, myself and I. I keep telling myself it's just the humidity. "Without all the moisture, you'll be OK." Will I? I'm not so sure any more.
 |
| At the Biggest Loser finish line |
Reality check -- what if it's not the humidity?
Am I racing too often? Probably. Although it will be difficult, I intend to do less racing this year. Quality over quantity, right?
Am I getting too old? {Gasp} Oh, please let this not be the case!
Am I training incorrectly? Maybe. I tried a few different things this year, including weekly speed work, but it didn't seem to help. One of my goals this year is to add strength training.
Am I being whiny? Umm....yes I am. I'll put my big girl panties on and shut up. I know I should be grateful (and am!) that I CAN get out there and run at any speed. So many others cannot run one step.
Should I just accept slower times? NO. I don't think so!! If I don't at least try, what's the point?
 |
| If I only close my eyes, the fog will disappear... |
So after my little whiny hiney fest, I feel better. Thanks for humoring me!
Give it to me straight. What do you think?
Maybe...gasp...take a little break and let your legs rest? That heavy legs feeling happened to me in November and I finally took a little break. I"m starting to feel more like myself now. Except that I have snow to run in which slows me down!
ReplyDeleteWhat??? I'm mortified! LOL. No, I absolutely agree! I've cut back on mileage for about a month. It's more "I can't breathe" versus "My legs feel heavy". Maybe that is the same thing? It's just the wrong time of year to be taking a full-on break. So many wonderful races now. ;) The summer would be perfect for a break.
DeleteI think so many people get frustrated w their times that they don't enjoy the experience. This wk I am heading down to Disney Marathon wkend and time will not be an issue as I am running w my sister for the experience. -L
ReplyDeleteOh, that sounds wonderful. I enjoy being with my sister and I was so proud she ran the 5k. We only see each other a few times a year.
DeleteI get you. But I bet I would think your time is fast. I can't complain about a slow time when my runner friends think I am so fast.
ReplyDeleteTrue. I have to be careful what I say around some of my friends who aren't quite as fast. But, I'm just comparing my times here. I hope they do the same. I've never compared myself to others as there will ALWAYS be someone faster. Always. I just want to return to last winter's pace. Maybe it's coming.
DeleteNo real advice since I'm such a newbie, but maybe Wendy is right that you just need a little break. I know that I make myself crazy when I look back through my running logs because I always convince myself that I'm not improving & won't ever improve. The only thing we can do is keep trying--don't accept those slower times if it's not what you want!
ReplyDeleteI have scaled back and taken small chunks of time off. I hope that will help. I ran today and it felt so much better than yesterday when I had absolutely had it -- bad day. The weather was also much better.
DeleteI have adjusted my running days recently. I hope that helps. The reality of it may be I never get back there. But, that will not make me stop running. I could always move on to longer distances where pace is not the focus but just finishing is.
ReplyDeleteI think all of us sometimes add too many races to our calendar. The other thing I have learned as an #oldladyrunner is that my stamina and cross training will not be the same as some of the runners half my age in my running group. I take plenty of rest days (last week there were 3 because of a sore throat). My coach has me doing more intense cross training during this marathon cycle and I generally only run 3 times per week. Have you read, "Run Less, Run Faster?" When I was training on my own, I followed the plan and it helped me tremendously. Give yourself a break and focus on a couple races and get a good training plan. And don't forget, come race day, sometimes it is your day, and other times it isn't. External factors can really mess up race day too such as rain, heat, humidity.....
ReplyDeleteThanks for weighing in, especially since I am an old lady runner too! Great advice. I will definitely read that book! I need to learn how to work with the age that I am and not do what runners 20-25 years younger are doing. Guilty. Cross or strength training (or both) is a goal for 2015.
DeleteMaybe you are doing too much on your body... maybe if you just do a few smaller races or not push yourself so hard, you'll find yourself having better times? ... Don't be so hard on yourself. You're getting out there & doing amazing things - regardless of anything else :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was beating myself up pretty bad the day I wrote this. I appreciate your feedback. !
DeleteThis post made me smile, we think a like in a lot of ways:)
ReplyDeleteI honestly think our bodies go through phases, we can have a good streak and then sometimes we just go through others that we don't see the best results. Lots of things can factor in, and the weather is one of them, the mind another:)
I find when I get to this point, I back of a little, re group and then start again.
A few years ago when I was running 14 marathons a year, sometimes a few only 6 days apart. I learned a lot. Our bodies can take what we train them for, but we aren't going to see the results we want each and every time, especially when we are constantly pushing them and not giving them proper recovery time.
If your goals are for time, then ya you'll probably see more success when you focus on a few less, than a few more. However, that doesn't mean you can't still do as many as you want. This is actually harder to do than not, but you can enter as many races as you want, but don't treat them all as PR's and races, use some of them as training runs and enjoy them and have fun with them, and put the time and energy into the few you know you can rule:) (I say easier said than done on that, but its possible:)
Good luck, I wish I was at the level you are now!!!
I am planning to do less races this year...it is harder for me than you think. ;) A reboot is definitely in order, even if it is only in the mind. I've got to just shake it off and move forward, hopefully a little smarter than in 2014. I appreciate your feedback. I hope you are able to run some marathons this year!
DeleteI noticed this exact thing happening a couple of years ago. Like I couldn't convert the oxygen to energy as well as I had before. My race times went in the crapper. I sought medical advice. They told me everybody's tired. I sought coaching advice. I backed off really hard training. My testosterone is low but other than that there are no conclusive answers. I'm chalking it up to peri-menopausal hormonal shifts. Know that you are not alone "whining" about this.
ReplyDeleteTo know someone else has experienced the same thing does help tremendously! I didn't even think about the hormonal aspect. What is so frustrating is that I don't feel like I have tired legs. Whatever the cause, I will get through it. I appreciate your input!
DeletePlease say it isn't your age - you're younger than me! You have been racing a lot; perhaps your legs would like a few days rest, and given a chance to recharge.
ReplyDelete