The worst run I've ever had... (Read 854 times)

*hugs Claire* My entire month has been like that...I hate that I'm only getting a good run about every 5. It frustrates me to tears that just over 4 weeks ago I ran an awesome HM and now I can't even go 2 miles without having to stop and walk (my walk/runs are outnumbering my actual runs). My lungs and upper body are rarin' to go, but my shins, calves, knees and feet are all "screw that, biatch!" I would occasionaly have runs like yours in the early months, Claire. Usually it was a sleep issue for me (which is the main cause for my current crappy running, I am certain...then I stress about how awful my runs have been and it keeps me awake at night--vicious cycle). Are you sleeping well? How is your diet? Stress? How often are you running? Maybe give yourself a day off if you think that might help your morale. k

Yes. More often than I'll ever admit to, I'm sure. Mostly, if you're not feeling it, then you're better off not doing it. One day off ain't gonna kill us, and it could be your body telling you something.

Thanks everyone. Interesting that a couple of you mentioned stress because I had two big arguments yesterday and I was pumped with anger and adrenalin all day. I had thought that I would run better today for this - but obviously not! I think that I am going to enjoy my rest day tomorrow and see how I feel on Friday (American thursday). If I feel like running I may just change my route and run in a completely different direction. I won't plan for any particular distance - just listen to my body and see what I can do comfortably. I need to go on a run that I can simply enjoy to boost my running morale I think. Thanks for sharing your experiences too. It really helped to hear that this happens to others. I have to remember that I love to run and stop beating myself up about 24 bad minutes on the street! Claire xxx

Claire - sorry to hear about your poor run I usually get "I'm not happy" feelings on certain portions of the route - but I think it has something to do with the hills (I'm a wimp when it comes to hills - even when I'm hiking). I bet it has something to do with outside stressors, I've found appropriate happier music to help me get thru my runs when I think I'm having a bad day

Sometimes a running funk just settles in. I get 'em too sometimes. Things are going great & suddenly your desire to put on your running shoes is just plain gone. Don't be too hard on yourself. It happens to everybody. Enjoy a nice day of rest & I bet you'll be itching to get back out there.

For both Kooky and Zoom: How do I put this? Not even sure what I'm getting at, so bear with me. Roar. Or do bears growl? One of those. I definitely know what they do in the woods. Or is that the Pope? Do you capitalize Pope like that? Nevermind. Anyway, here's the thing. There seems to be an epidemic on this board the last few days, and your posts capture it pretty well ... but I still can't quite put my finger on it, on how to describe it. And you aren't alone. I've seen half a dozen posts like this pop up, all sounding exactly the same. Maybe it's the holidays. Okay, here's my thought: you both sound like running has become a chore. A job. Something that you're working at to get something, rather than just to do it. A race, a mileage goal, whatever. Especially you, Zooms ... and it stands out, because it's pretty much the opposite of how you usually sound. Here's my unsolicited wanna-be Freudian analytical advice: I'd guess that Kooky is thinking way too much about her race, and Zoom ... I think you're a victim of your own success. You've worked so hard and improved so quickly, that it sounds like you're looking ahead to the next success ... rather than enjoying where you are. Here's my advice: others have suggested taking time off; I wouldn't. At least not for long. What I would do is change your focus. Kooky, if you keep running with any decent consistency, you'll be ready for your race, easily; Zoom, you'll be back healthy and back to your normal mileage soon enough. For now - you might wanna think about forgetting about mileage, or pace, or future races, or your next goal ... and just enjoying the run. Sweat. Breathe. Think. Forget the rest. And if you really feel like walking ... walk for a while. Intentionally walking got me started, got me to love running, and I still plan walk breaks when I don't feel like running much. It's easy to run for 3 or 4 minutes at a time. So easy, in fact, that I usually end up forgetting to walk, and running for an hour anyway. But knowing I can walk gets my ass out the door. Kooky, quit beating yourself for walking. Walk, then run, then walk, then run. Whatever it takes to keep moving and sweating, to keep your heart rate up. Above all else, to keep enjoying it. Once it becomes a job, something you do only for some external goal, burnout is right around the corner. Please note: I may be 12 kilometers or so off base here, in which case I'll cheerfully shut up. Feel free to ignore me. But I'm right about the fun part. Guaranteed. Go have fun, ladies. Quit sweatin' the small stuff.

Jake, I think you might be closer than 12k to the truth. I think my biggest issues right now include emotional stuff (and too much running around) with the family tragedy, not enough sleep, and crappy weather--I definitely run better on sunny days, even if it's cold out. We've not seen much sun since Summer (welcome to West MI 6+ months of the year). I also don't want to take time off, but I need to not look at walking as failure. Just catching up on sleep should make a major difference in how I feel--while actually running and just in general. Last night was my first good night of sleep in a week and I already feel a lot better. Tonite I also plan to hit the hay extra early and hopefully tackling this sleep deficit will start to make my runs enjoyable, again. k