Yesterday I picked up cousins from the airport that are visiting for Thanksgiving. Since they flew in relatively early, I had extra time in the afternoon and went for a run around 4pm. The weather was really nice and I was able to wear shorts and short sleeve shirt. Once I got running, it was pretty warm. I ran a 4 mile out/back and worked at running it at goal pace.
My expectations for what it should feel like running are distorted and that is really hurting me. I expect a 4 mile, goal pace run to be easy, enjoyable, like I'm gliding over the ground. Afterall, its a short distance and isn't speed work. Although I ran the first 3 miles too fast, it was still labored. My breathing felt off, my foot hurt and it was kind of warm. I want every run to include the runners high DURING the run. With my expectations not being met, I lose more running confidence. How can I race this Thursday in the Turkey Trot 10K? How can I run my 20 miler this weekend? How can I even run and qualify for Boston? And on and on. Maybe after my 20 miler, I'll have some confidence back. Maybe after more speed work it will come back. I think what I really need to do is positive self talk and focus on what I can do.
5 comments:
I ran a 24 miler 5 weeks out from my marathon. My average pace was 8:50 (goal pace 8:20) and I felt like death. I thought I'd never be able to run the marathon at my goal pace. Adrenaline is an AMAZING drug and it almost always shows up in some form on race day! Average pace for my marathon was 7:50 and I felt way less tired than in practice runs. I always have trouble when I get near 5k or 10k pace in my daily runs but still manage to acheive it on race day. You will too!!! Keep up the positive self talk. The only way you won't acheive your goals is if you don't allow yourself to!!!
There are good days and bad days. TRy to focus on what you have done rather than what you haven't. Here is wishing you CONFIDENCE and the runners high.
You will do great on your 10k!
Do not doubt your legs! Those guys are awesome, and they are always up for a challenge. The high will come when you are at the starting line and after the anthem when the gun goes off - those moments are pure magic and once you start running, you will hit the sweet spot that will 'adrenalize' your legs. I look forward to reading your race report. Go Christina!
Try to stay positive. If you doubt yourself you will run worse! Psyche yourself up for your 20-miler and ROCK it, you will feel way better about things :-)
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