Hello from the other side of RRCA training! I learned SO much. Rather than doing a recap of what I learned, I will probably sprinkle upcoming posts with little bits of running knowledge chia seeds.
But for now, let’s talk about my own runs. Speaking of training recaps, I’m really going to miss my friend Michele’s Ironman training recaps. (Though I’m really freaking excited for her Ironman for her because she has been killing her training.)
While I disagree that a 22-mile stepback week’s training was epic, last week’s training was fairly solid.
Monday: yoga. I have never looked forward to yoga on my schedule as much as I have this training cycle.
Tuesday: weenied out and did my 4 miles on the treadmill, because I did not feel like running on the side of the sun/through pea soup, etc.
Wednesday: accidental rest day, as I last-minute decided not to do the Al Gordon 5K because it was still hot as hell.
Thursday: did the workout that was scheduled for Wednesday – 2 mile warm-up + 5K….on the treadmill. I ran the 5K at a 7:45 pace, which felt good.
Friday: accidental rest day.
Saturday: a great 7-mile run. I have no idea what pace it was, and I don’t care. After learning about running all day, I was excited to go outside and actually do some. Lately, I’ve been putting so much pressure on each run. It needs to solve all of my problems. It needs to perfect so that I meet my goal in October. Saturday, I let a run just be a run, and it was the relaxing run I’d needed and let me totally zone out and remember why I love running.
Sunday: Got a two-a-day in. I’d missed three miles on Friday and had three miles planned for Sunday, so I did three before the RRCA course and three after. I slept in compression socks on Saturday and ran in them on Sunday. In mid-July in New York. Not a good idea.
While I wish I’d not skipped that Friday run, I’m happy I still got it in, and I’m happy that I’m getting better at releasing crap and letting my runs be more enjoyable again. This week is when shit starts getting real. Tomorrow=mile repeats and Thursday=tempo. I’m going to let my mind get out of its own damn way and get after those speed workouts and let my runs do their own things to relax me rather than forcing them.
If you’re training for something, how’s it going? How do you get out of your own damn head when you’re going through a sort of rough patch of running?
I have thought about the RCCA Coaching to focus more on the beginner runners (5k programs), because I love mentoring our programs here in Savannah! I keep seeing the classes and they never jive with my schedule. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and post certification runs!
@Victoria: If you *do* find a date that works with your schedule, jUMP on it immediately. They sell out so quickly.
Training in Geneva is going pretty well. I miss running with friends but the views are pretty epic. This morning I ran along the lake while the sun was rising and all the mountains were illuminated and clear due to lack of clouds. It was one of those moments when I SO wished I had my camera.
@Ash Bear: We miss you! xox
Great post. It can be so frustrating when you go through a plateau in your training but I’ve always found persistence to be the key.
When I’m in a rough spot in training I try to figure out what is standing in my way. Races are something I do for myself. Usually if I’m in a rough spot I’m pushing myself too hard/far. I try to back off the negativity and get an extra yoga class in. Or else I will schedule runs with people so I can talk and connect with someone instead of going on a run by myself which can lead to negative self talk.
Last year, I did two half marathons. This year I’ve been focusing more on hot yoga and barre classes, which I really enjoy both. I’d like to get back into running because I do feel great after a run, but it is definitely the hardest exercise for me to actually get off my butt and go do.
I had a total crap week of running last week. Where I questioned my goals and if I could even RUN another marathon. I finally had a decent run today but for me – I need one of those GREAT runs where it all clicks to finally have some confidence back.
Sorry about the Friday run. I feel partly responsible. 🙂
I’m training for my first marathon and I just posted today about how I’m trying to use a mantra to get out of my head and eliminate negative self talk while running. The truth is, some days it works and others, it doesn’t! I think it’s all cyclical…
This heat was killer this week but somehow I managed to put in a lot of good runs…got in my 14 miler at 5 am before work on friday and added on a spur of the moment 10 with a friend on saturday morning! I am really looking forward to the cooler temps this week, i bet you are too! Im in CT and i hear NYC has been worse! Glad you got your runs in and im excited to hear more about your training!
Nice week! I took Friday off too, which has been becoming too much of a norm for me lately, but oh well. I still work hard most other days of the week! Thanks for sharing!
Very wise move on making some runs just about running. Logging the time consistently is what will get you to your goals. Your approach reminds me of what somebody once said about becoming a better cyclist.
-Ride your road bike.
-Ride your mountain bike.
-Ride hills.
-Ride flats.
-Ride indoors.
-Ride alone.
-Ride in groups.
-JUST RIDE.
Have you tried running early in the mornings? At least for me, I find I am much less likely to skip a workout if I just get up and go — later in the day, it seems like stuff always comes up. Also, it would be cooler…
Bahaha I LOVE “running knowledge chia seeds”!
Running 5K at a 7:45 pace? That is pretty good. I just started training this summer and I am at 10:00 pace for 5K now. I also have many accidental rest days in a week. I know I should be persistent on my training. Running outside over 90 degree heat is a tough call for me.
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