Lately I have been feeling kind of different about running. I guess you can say that I am kind of in a "running funk." My head has not been in it and my heart has not been in it for sure. I am still running but I guess my attitude towards running has been a little different. I feel like I have been in constant training mode without any real break. I am not burned out but I feel like I am getting there and need some change. Joining a running club has really brought the changes that I needed.
My running club has also changed my perspective on running and learning to run at an aerobic pace with them has been a huge change for me. Joining this club was one of the best decisions that I have made in a long time. The club is currently training for the LA Marathon and they run about 60-90 seconds under race pace. Running at an aerobic pace is tough but since we are running lots of hills it may not be such a bad idea for me right now. Slowing things down also has it's benefits such as lessening the chance of injury and improving your endurance. Running with the club is fun so I look forward to my runs with them. It definitely beats getting out there on your own especially when you are lacking motivation or want to skip a run!
I think the hip bursitis I was dealing with a few weeks ago kind of made me realize that I need to listen to my body and take things down a notch for a while. I learned a lot about myself and wanted to take those lessons and learn something from them. I was foam rolling, stretching and all of that good stuff but I guess the increase in mileage was not such a good idea. I ran 150 miles in July and I was well on my way to another 150 mile month for August. I normally run 25-30 miles a week. I am not a high mileage runner and 150 miles a month is pretty good for me. So I have decided that I am going to go back to running the lower mileage and make each run count. I also found that my runs are so much better when I run every other day versus consecutive days.
Having said that, I will be running Marathon #6 next Sunday. The only difference is that I will be running with a friend and hopefully pacing her to a new PR. I think it is going to be kind of nice since I will be running at her pace and without the pressure to break four hours or PR. I know that it is still going to be a challenge since marathons will always be difficult in my books! I want to enjoy this marathon and focus on my friend and not myself. This will be her second marathon and her first experience was not a good one so hopefully she will have a different perspective after this race.
Does your training include running at an aerobic pace?
I think the hip bursitis I was dealing with a few weeks ago kind of made me realize that I need to listen to my body and take things down a notch for a while. I learned a lot about myself and wanted to take those lessons and learn something from them. I was foam rolling, stretching and all of that good stuff but I guess the increase in mileage was not such a good idea. I ran 150 miles in July and I was well on my way to another 150 mile month for August. I normally run 25-30 miles a week. I am not a high mileage runner and 150 miles a month is pretty good for me. So I have decided that I am going to go back to running the lower mileage and make each run count. I also found that my runs are so much better when I run every other day versus consecutive days.
Having said that, I will be running Marathon #6 next Sunday. The only difference is that I will be running with a friend and hopefully pacing her to a new PR. I think it is going to be kind of nice since I will be running at her pace and without the pressure to break four hours or PR. I know that it is still going to be a challenge since marathons will always be difficult in my books! I want to enjoy this marathon and focus on my friend and not myself. This will be her second marathon and her first experience was not a good one so hopefully she will have a different perspective after this race.
How do you get yourself out of a "running funk" and find the change you need?
Does your training include running at an aerobic pace?
Interesting post. When I was under training for the marathon (finishing times 3:34 - 3:46 - 3:48) I never made aerobic workouts. For me the goal was only to finish. Good luck on your training and your marathon.
ReplyDeleteThank you. They swear by this program but I struggle with it a little bit. Speed work and tempo runs are where you are supposed to practice your speed according to the club's plan. We will see what happens since there are some pretty fast people in my running club who practice this type of plan.
DeleteGlad you found a group that is getting your head back into running! I am hit and miss with the funk lately. I am trying to decide if I should sign up for a half in October or not. Hmmm I really wanted to do three halfs this year and that would be number three! I do plan after that (if I do it) NO runs longer than an hour for November and December. I just think I need a break from being so focused!
ReplyDeleteI agree about needing a break from being focused. I am hoping to slow things down a bit for the remainder of the year and then getting back into things to prepare for a marathon before the summer heat hits again.
DeleteHonestly, I think it was the last year of being in a funk and crappyness that has helped me get back on track this summer. That sub-2 didn't hurt, but I feel like getting through some rough times with terrible runs and an less-than-stellar attitude has made this rejuvenated love all THAT much more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteSo, as tough as it is, embrace the funk a little bit. When you find yourself out of the cloud, you'll love it again all that much more!
Good luck on Sunday! I hope you have a great time and your friend gets her PR!
ReplyDelete