Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Confessions of a Failed Run

I have done every single RLRF I've planned, with the exception of one a few weeks ago, when I stopped after a few miles because my calves were aching, and a second time. Today. Pretty disappointed in myself. I really pride myself on not giving up in a workout, no matter how rough, but today... well, I was done.


Monday was EPIC. I had been "challenged" to run 20x400s, which is outside the RLRF program, but I felt I was up for them. Here's what I did:

Goal - 1 mile easy @ 10:54, 20x400 @ 2:05, 2 min RI (walk), 1 mile easy @ 10:54 
Actual - 1 mile easy @ 10:45, 20x400 @ 2:04, 2:03, 2:01, 2:00, 1:59, 1:57, 1:56, 1:55, 1:54, 1:53, 1:51, 1:50, 1:49, 1:48, 1:47, 1:50, 1:50, 1:56, 1:56, 1:55, 1 mile easy @ 10:26
Total run - 9.35 miles
Took only one quick break off treadmill to re-fill my water bottle. This was so insanely crazy hard. The first 12-13 weren't so bad, but then I really felt weak and light-headed. I was kinda thinking I was going to faint or fly off the treadmill. The last ones were DEFINITELY work. Since I have to start at 0.00 mph and work my way up, those "fast" 400s are actually at an 8.9mph pace (CRAZY FAST FOR ME!!), which is 6:44. I think I did at least 6-7 of them sub 7:00. That's insane, no wonder I was ready to die.
So there was that. Then. There was today.
Goal - 1 mile easy @ 10:53, 4 miles @ 9:33, 1 mile easy @ 10:53
Actual - 1 mile easy @ 10:45, 2.55 miles @ 9:29, 1.83 miles @ 10:57
Total run - 5.38 miles in just under 55 minutes

I really have no excuse other than my legs were tight and tired. I paused the treadmill to stretch and when I jumped back on and it wasn't any easier... well, I stopped. I had hoped to at least complete the 6 miles scheduled, but A had a special day at school where I was able to meet with her for lunch and go with her to the book fair, so that took priority. Next time.

I have a 20 miler scheduled for Friday. I'd really like to be at 100% for that.

9 comments:

  1. Don't be so hard on yourself! I can't believe that is only the 2nd training run you've 'modified'. And way to go on the 400s. That sounds insane. How on Earth did you keep count?

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  2. This ALL sounds crazy fast! I guess that's the point. I should give it a try some day.

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  3. I feel like I might be to blame for this.....

    Sorry :(

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  4. "Failed" runs happen. It's how you respond to that that makes you a success. Right?

    Maybe it's like plays. Shitty dress rehearsal = awesome opening night?

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  5. If you "exceed" the speed workout in RLRF workout #1, doesn't it make sense that workout #2 might not go as planned? I feel like RLRF would work best (note: I didn't do the full plan and dropped weeks and training) if "we" would actually follow the plan, every day for 18 or whatever weeks.

    What I'm trying to say, is don't be so hard on yourself.

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  6. I have sooo many failed runs!!! I think it was fine ... you still ran! But I know what you mean, if you don't meet your goal, it feels like a fail.

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  7. We all have those days & your legs were telling you they needed a rest. Just focus on that 20 miler ahead. You're doing great though - 20 400's?! No WONDER your legs are tired!

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  8. I love how your failed runs still involve TONS of running. My failed runs (like last Saturday) involve driving to the trail, stepping out into 40 degree weather, saying oh hell no, and driving back home again. That's why you're so awesome and I'm so not. LOL!!

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  9. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    I have failed runs....a lot. More than I want to admit! But you know what? There are no "failed runs" as long as you actually got out there and tried. The only "failed runs" are when you don't even get off the couch :)

    Now, go print THAT on a coaster or something!

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