I'm getting frustrated with myself.
I know I shouldn't be, but I am.
I feel that I should be able to run for longer amounts of time than I actually am doing. Today I forced myself to run a mile straight. Granted, it was at a 13:15 pace, which is fast for me, but still. Even with forcing myself to run further, I still ended up having to walk at least .75 miles of my 2.6 run.
I am frustrated and disgusted and not sure of what to do to make myself run better.
Ugh, I don't know anymore. Pace and speed work is an essential part of running, especially when you're running in a half marathon with a time limit. I WANT to cross that finish line BEFORE 3 hours is up. But right now, I think I'm doing more damage than good to my training. I need help, any kind of help.
This sucks.
And it's only day 3 of my official training. GAH! What am I going to do?
8 comments:
You are early in your training program. Like you said, it is only day 3. You are bound to have some issues when you are adjusting to a new program. It may make you more tired than you are used to. Keep chugging along with your plan for a bit before getting too discouraged. Give it some time to work before you go back. Change is hard, but if you don't change, you won't improve. Also, you do need to make sure that you aren't doing more than 10% or so of your weekly mileage as speedwork, so if you are doing 30 miles/week, you should only be doing 3 miles of actual speedwork (meaning track and intervals). The rest jogging or walking counts towards the total of the miles, but not towards the speed portion. For example, doing 6x800m sprints with rest in between is only 3 miles of speedwork. I usually have 4 miles total including the rest wogging after each set after doing that workout. The rest of your workouts can be done at slower paces than your race pace.
How is your sleeping and your nutrition? Getting enough sleep and enough of the right foods can make a huge difference to when you are struggling with a training plan.
Good luck, hang in there!
I agree with Melissa above. You're three days in and you've got PLENTY of time ahead of you.
However, if you really want to see what you've done for endurance training, take a couple days off and THEN go for a long easy run.
The most common issue with age group athletes is that they feel their lack of results is made good by adding training; WRONG! Rest is part of your training, otherwise. Don't expect results until you FEEL rested.
Some of the best advice I got early on in my first half marathon training was "why do you have to do speed work?" My reply was because that's what you have to do according to all the books/mags/training schedules. My mentor said "but why do you have to do it?" And. . . I didn't do it. I ran 10 or so 5K's and used them as my speed work. I did my first half in 3:02 without any speedwork per se - don't beat yourself up - it's not worth it. Just take it one training day at a time. you'll get there. . . . remember the turtle won the race - slow and steady (both during training and in a race) - YOU GOT THIS!!!! Mileage base first, then speed otherwise, you risk injury!!!!
I was actually coached to NOT do any speedwork when I trained for my first half. Focus on getting the miles in, build your base up, and the speed will come on it's own. No worries! :-)
@Melissa- I think I'm just trying to do too much too quickly. My competitive nature is taking control and that's bad in a way because I don't want to get injured. My nutrition is pretty good. I eat a rather balanced diet, though my carb intake is slightly lower than most people because my body doesn't process it correctly. I substitute fresh veggies and fruits instead. As for sleep, lately I haven't been sleeping very well and I'm not sure why. I wake up feeling even more exhausted than when I went to bed. I'm working on it though. I'm trying not to over sleep and am trying different sleep positions (I fear I may have sleep apnea. ugh)
Thanks for the advice!
@Kurt- I feel bad when I have rest days. I know they are good for me, but if I take too many days off I start to feel lazy and guilty. Boo.
@Wells and Nej- I'm going to try and not focus on speed anymore. Solely going to tackle distance from here on out. Feel free to remind me of this if I start bellyaching about pacing again. :)
Just keep reminding yourself that this isn't a competition and that what you're doing is for you! Every step you take out there, whether walking or running is a great accomplishment! Sometimes I think of all the people who aren't out there and that makes my competitive side feel better. I know it's not nice, but it helps in my head.
You're doing awesome! Take care of yourself or you'll burn out and then you'll really be frustrated! I pushed myself at a 10k in March and have not been on track since!!!
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