When doubts creep in (Read 1589 times)

This extends to a lot of the exercise/gym industry - the whole idea seems to be that any kind of exercise is something that has to be endured for the sake of your health and/or looking good, but can't possibly be something that's enjoyable for its own sake.

I use to feel that way about exercise, until I ran my first road race. It blew my mind into some other universe, where I exercise, but I never call it that, I never do it to look good (that's a losing battle anyway--LOL), all I do is train and race. And I most definitely don't do this so my feet will look good. And it's fun!. I once wrote a blog about such things based on a real conversation (I put a link to it in my signature).

On easy days: I think their important. They help to develop slow twitch fibers, endurance and fat-burning---a total boon for the aerobic system. I never call them junk miles. Though they must always be considered as part of my training load. If you do these runs around your MAF, the pace will  tell you a lot as well. These runs should progress in pace at the same HR.

--Jimmy

@jimmyb: thanks for the link, that was a great post... (that left me longing for a piece of chocolate cake...But I do have an excellent mug of coffee here...)

You're welcome. Me, too. 

 

On easy days: I think their important. They help to develop slow twitch fibers, endurance and fat-burning---a total boon for the aerobic system. I never call them junk miles. --Jimmy

 +1

no such thing as junk miles.   every run or w/o has some purpose or benefit.

I'm 56 & after training for & DNS for 1st marathon in nearly 30 yrs in 2011 & developing PF along the way have decided to go with a more "balanced" plan this year.  lowered mileage but with more varied wo's.   Originally planned 2 harder intensity days during week with easy paced LR on Sunday.  has developed more into a 10 day cycle.  also been going on a 4 wk cycle on LR with gradual buildup (5-10 mns) of duration for 3 weeks & backing down on 4th week.   doing this since 1st of year & have built up wkly time/mileage while also gradually progressing on the 2 harder intensity days.   At this point these 2 days are still just "moderately hard".   PF has stayed in check up to this point & with no races set for near future feel as if all is going as planned.   In next 6-8 wks will be looking for a race to judge how plan is working.

Have been reading posts here on RA about FIRST & just not for me.  Also read Brad Hudson's book awhile back & agree mostly with his ideas except his thoughts for master runners.  His thought for experienced master runners is similar to FIRST.  3 days/wk with all 3 of them  mod to hard efforts.  cross training other days with no easy recovery run days.  again not for me.  I enjoy running & my easy days, time to relax, work off stress & nobody is telling me where to go or how to do it!  I know if I was doing a pgm like FIRST week in-week out would not enjoy it & would probably be more stressed physically/mentally & quit.  I enjoy the harder days too but No one will ever take away my easy days from me!!  NO ONE!

back to OP question:  yes there are days where you want to tank your w/o. mostly mental, if pushed through sometimes they turn out to be your best effort days.  but sometimes I've learned it's ok to adust by how you feel & not force a w/o just because you are scheduled for  a hard day.   Just pick up that w/o on another day.  Don't be a slave to a training plan,  there are constant adjustments.

  yep my thoughts too, although for me not sure if I would call it "cruising".  yesterday went out on LR & although it was at easy pace did not feel real easy.  my PF has been bothersome this week & felt it yesterday.