Has it really been that long???
Whoa. I've been away for a while. Ok, so I was on vacation. And this week has been another hell-acious work week. But I have gotten back into training for my next marathon. And with it has come a running low, a running high, and stuff in between.
The low.
First week of training. Not this last week, but the week before. I figured, "no problem getting the mileage back up." I'd been running a few times a week. Low mileage, but still running. It was a nice break. But every workout seemed to take a lot out of me.
And then there was last Sunday's medium/long run...
It was only supposed to be 12 miles. How hard could that be? Well, let me tell you. My legs were so fatigued by 10 miles that I was seriously considering just hanging up on the next marathon. What happened? By mile twelve, I had to stop and walk. I was that tired. I began to think there was something wrong. Maybe all this training over the last couple of years has just left me fatigued. Maybe I didn't take enough time off. Maybe I cut back too far on my running.
But I knew one thing. Never judge a season (or a marathon cycle) by a single workout. Or even a single week.
So on to week two. And this wasn't going to be easy. I had another 80 hour work week ahead of me (they pretty much suck). But I was determined to continue with the training program. I figure if the fatigue continues for another week or two, I'll think about bagging it and regrouping. But then came...
The high.
Tuesday's schedule called for 8 miles with 10X100m strideouts. I did the workout after working about 9 hours (and had another 2 hours to go). It was amazing. It was getting dark when I started and so I ran it on the back roads around Concord (near work). Rolling hills for almost 7 miles. And it was one of those runs where you're just there -- in the moment -- and time is obliterated. You hear your breathing and footfalls as you're running and you just feel at peace. It's a cliche -- but one with the universe. Everything in its place. And then the strideouts -- just flew through them.
And stuff in between.
Thursday called for 10 miles. After working about 10 hours (with another 3 to go), I again took off through Concord. The run started out pretty good, but I was pretty tired by the last couple miles. That's OK, though. It's been a long week. I never really expect to get two fantastic runs in a week. (Oh, on Wednesday, I took a break from work and did some cross training -- rowing, cycling and weights.)
Friday was a day off (from working out). I also "only" worked 8 hours and Anita and I went to a movie ("Scoop" - a decent but not great Woody Allen film). And I got a good night's sleep.
Today, Saturday, was my last long workday (12 hours). I got in an easy 4 miler. Tonight I plan to get some good sleep again, and then tomorrow will be 13 miles.
It's got to go better than last week.
The low.
First week of training. Not this last week, but the week before. I figured, "no problem getting the mileage back up." I'd been running a few times a week. Low mileage, but still running. It was a nice break. But every workout seemed to take a lot out of me.
And then there was last Sunday's medium/long run...
It was only supposed to be 12 miles. How hard could that be? Well, let me tell you. My legs were so fatigued by 10 miles that I was seriously considering just hanging up on the next marathon. What happened? By mile twelve, I had to stop and walk. I was that tired. I began to think there was something wrong. Maybe all this training over the last couple of years has just left me fatigued. Maybe I didn't take enough time off. Maybe I cut back too far on my running.
But I knew one thing. Never judge a season (or a marathon cycle) by a single workout. Or even a single week.
So on to week two. And this wasn't going to be easy. I had another 80 hour work week ahead of me (they pretty much suck). But I was determined to continue with the training program. I figure if the fatigue continues for another week or two, I'll think about bagging it and regrouping. But then came...
The high.
Tuesday's schedule called for 8 miles with 10X100m strideouts. I did the workout after working about 9 hours (and had another 2 hours to go). It was amazing. It was getting dark when I started and so I ran it on the back roads around Concord (near work). Rolling hills for almost 7 miles. And it was one of those runs where you're just there -- in the moment -- and time is obliterated. You hear your breathing and footfalls as you're running and you just feel at peace. It's a cliche -- but one with the universe. Everything in its place. And then the strideouts -- just flew through them.
And stuff in between.
Thursday called for 10 miles. After working about 10 hours (with another 3 to go), I again took off through Concord. The run started out pretty good, but I was pretty tired by the last couple miles. That's OK, though. It's been a long week. I never really expect to get two fantastic runs in a week. (Oh, on Wednesday, I took a break from work and did some cross training -- rowing, cycling and weights.)
Friday was a day off (from working out). I also "only" worked 8 hours and Anita and I went to a movie ("Scoop" - a decent but not great Woody Allen film). And I got a good night's sleep.
Today, Saturday, was my last long workday (12 hours). I got in an easy 4 miler. Tonight I plan to get some good sleep again, and then tomorrow will be 13 miles.
It's got to go better than last week.
posted by Kurt in Boston at 7:06 PM
5 Comments:
man I hope work lightens up for you. Its hard to get in good runs when you are exhausted!
Glad to hear you're still out there, and still running. I was beginning to wonder if work or the weather had done you in.
It'd be so nice if all the runs were like the great run you described. You are certainly putting in a ton of hours at work on top of all the running.
That Woody Allen film looks decent enough, I just have REAL ISSUES with going to see any of that Perverts films.
Hi Kurt. BOOO! So much work! I am glad you are still getting to run though. And some furniture has finally arrived over here! The boxes will be making their way home shortly :) I'll be in touch. Thanks again!!
I have had so many ups and downs with my marathon training I totally understand what you are going through. But you are right to not judge by a single workout, especially on the first week or two. your body will adjust...
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