When the Body Says No
Do you ever go through those times when your body doesn't cooperate? I'm there right now. My brain says go and wants to sign up for all the races, but my workouts and runs lately have been rough and I'm feeling drained. I have no idea what the issue is, but I do know that I'm getting a complex about not doing enough.
After the 50K I was super pumped to do it again. In fact, I almost signed up for another 50K on November 22; thank goodness I didn't. For the last few weeks, almost every run has felt sluggish and my body's motivation is weak at best. I've been doing a new strength training class two times per week and running about three times per week, so perhaps the new routine is taking time to get used to. I'd like to say I can run less mileage and not worry about it, but that mindset isn't working for me.
I want to become a person who can keep up with marathon and ultra training mileage year round. I want to be tough, to be able to run a few 50Ks per year - maybe even someone who eventually dabbles in the 50 mile distance. I don't feel like that person right now.
It doesn't help that I took a tough trail run fall yesterday, leaving my knee swollen like a tennis ball and my hands a mess of dirt and blood. Today became an unplanned rest day; the knee really needs to bend to do a successful workout.
Through all of the negative thoughts, I remind myself that everything is fine. I'm lucky that I CAN run when I want to. Despite feeling like crap lately, I had a good day at the Mt Tam Trail half marathon last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the trails. (Race report to come once the photos are out!) Nothing is really wrong, and I need to remember that. So what if I rest for a few days to get my body back up to speed, right? I'd tell other people that, now I need to convince myself.
What do you do when you are feeling down on your running abilities?
Now that I've written a negative post that is generally unlike me, let's end on a cute cat photo and the fact that it's Friday.
Happy weekend!
After the 50K I was super pumped to do it again. In fact, I almost signed up for another 50K on November 22; thank goodness I didn't. For the last few weeks, almost every run has felt sluggish and my body's motivation is weak at best. I've been doing a new strength training class two times per week and running about three times per week, so perhaps the new routine is taking time to get used to. I'd like to say I can run less mileage and not worry about it, but that mindset isn't working for me.
I want to become a person who can keep up with marathon and ultra training mileage year round. I want to be tough, to be able to run a few 50Ks per year - maybe even someone who eventually dabbles in the 50 mile distance. I don't feel like that person right now.
It doesn't help that I took a tough trail run fall yesterday, leaving my knee swollen like a tennis ball and my hands a mess of dirt and blood. Today became an unplanned rest day; the knee really needs to bend to do a successful workout.
Through all of the negative thoughts, I remind myself that everything is fine. I'm lucky that I CAN run when I want to. Despite feeling like crap lately, I had a good day at the Mt Tam Trail half marathon last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the trails. (Race report to come once the photos are out!) Nothing is really wrong, and I need to remember that. So what if I rest for a few days to get my body back up to speed, right? I'd tell other people that, now I need to convince myself.
What do you do when you are feeling down on your running abilities?
Now that I've written a negative post that is generally unlike me, let's end on a cute cat photo and the fact that it's Friday.
Happy weekend!
When did you last get out on your bike? Running doesn't really help bike training a lot, but cycling is enough cardio that it still helps run training -- in other words, you won't lose your running fitness if you go on a bike ride to change things up. The weather will be good this weekend, so go ride a few miles for me, the person who's been longing so much to get back on her bike!
ReplyDeleteYou'll be back at full speed soon. I've historically struggled in the fall, too, but this rough patch will make running so much more amazing in comparison when you're at 100 percent.
You are so right - I need to stop being scared of my bike! Thanks for the encouragement, I will ride for you. Happy to see you at least on the trainer!
Deletei feel you on the concept of wanting to become a person who can do marathon/50k stuff multiple times a year and keep up that high mileage. i'm not sure i see when it will happen - just gotta keep chugging ("just keep running"!) and hope that the day will come and things will fall into place. hope your knee has healed a bit over the weekend - maybe it's your body's (cruel) way of saying hey, running hasn't felt awesome lately, take a few days to gather yourself. have had so much fun sharing miles / races / meals with you this year - lots more to come!!
ReplyDeletexo
Knee is much better, thanks! I was pretty worried on Thursday/Friday. Maybe someday we'll both get to keeping up the high mileage as the body adjusts. I hope!
DeleteI ended up taking a full on break from running. I was dreading every run and once I got out there it felt hard. It stopped being fun. I walk 5 miles a day for my commute (plus any extra the day brings), so I was having particular trouble balancing all the walking plus more running, plus any other exercise I wanted to do. So I'm taking the winter off from running (which in Canada is not that hard to do), and focusing on strength training, yoga, and reworking my diet. I've got a race planned for next Fall, and I start building my mileage back up in the spring.
ReplyDeleteTaking a couple of days may be just what the doctor ordered.
Thanks Sian, I needed the days off. I'm taking it much easier than usual and doing other things instead. Good luck with your winter cross training too!
DeleteWhat a fantastic yin and yang picture of the cats. As for running downs, I have a feeling they happen to all of us, so I try not to dig on them. I focus on the fact that I have been running for years and still going at it, even with the occasional setback. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way after Big Basin/Santa Rosa. I think it's normal to feel a little unmotivated after reaching a big goal - we all have to rest, recover, and reset, both mentally and physically. You'll get your mojo back soon!
ReplyDelete