Monday: 3 miles.
Why is it that short runs often seem to drag on more than long runs? This always happens to me. I woke up this morning actually feeling relieved that I only had to run three miles today. After all, it’s only three, right? Somehow, however, the “only three” miles seemed to take centuries longer than even my slowest half-marathon. I mean, it’s totally mental. For a long run, I go out there, thinking, “See ya in a couple of hours, world”, feeling prepared as I immerse myself into the run.
With short runs, on the other hand, it’s as if I’m waiting for it to be done from the second it starts. These are the times that I need to remind myself to slow down—mentally, that is; I still want to maintain pace! So I take a few deep breaths because, although it’s only three miles, with work, errands, and other responsibilities, it could also be the only time I have to myself for the day—I’d better enjoy it!
Tuesday: 5 miles, weights.
I pretty much hopped out of bed at the sound of my alarm this morning, ready to run. My pace was just a few seconds slower per mile than I would have liked, but I finished the run feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Wednesday: 3 miles, 30 minutes of yoga.
I enjoyed a completely tech-free run today before 7 a.m.. I haven’t mentioned this yet, but I’m moving to start a new job in a little under two weeks, so I’ve been working to train my body so that I can run before work. The biggest thing I’m worried about is safety, but I’ve been in contact with the local running club and am feeling better about the upcoming pre-sunrise runs.
My hip has been a little sore this week. It’s been bothering me off and on for several months now, but usually some deep stretching does the trick, so I did 30 minutes of yoga after my run.
Thursday: Rest.
My body was demanding a rest day today. First, I slept through all five of my alarms, and then, when I finally woke up, I realized that my foot and hip were feeling extra sore today. As hard as it was, I decided to listen to my body for once. My training plan called for an hour of cross-training today. I usually hit the bike, but I think a day of complete rest will better cure my aches and pains.
Friday: 5 miles.
Today’s workout called for a 5 mile run. I ran in the heat to work on maintaining pace in warmer temps.
Saturday: 10.5 miles.
I was supposed to run 12 miles today, but I had to cut it short because I got overheated. I’m definitely ready for fall‘s cooler weather. On the bright side, I maintained a good pace and got a nice tan (well, kind of nice because it’s a shorts-and-tank top tan)!
Sunday: Rest.
Total: 26.5 miles.
Conclusion: At first I was ready to write this week off as a disappointment, with Thursday’s missed cross-training workout and Saturday’s shortened long run. The lesson that I took from this week, though, is that sometimes it is more important to listen to your body than to complete a workout. It can definitely be hard to listen to your body, but I’m glad that I did. My foot and hip are feeling much better, and I plan to hydrate much more before next week’s, albeit delayed, 12 mile run.