Well, waffles has. And so have I. Granted, unlike her, i have zero time for napping. I don't know whats wrong with me lately, but i have felt run down for the past month. I kept telling myself it was post marathon exhaustion, but i think i might have over-played that card. I just feel like i never get enough sleep, and my legs are always tired. Last night, an easy-peasy three mile run just felt hard and exhausting. (granted, it was 94 degrees, but still.)
Could i have somehow broken my legs during the marathon and not realized?? Did i gain 300lbs in each leg, and you guys just aren't telling me?? (c'mon guys!) I'm taking a day off to wallow at work in my compression socks, but i need a game plan. I used to have no problem with 40 mile weeks, and now the 30 mile weeks seem difficult and exhausting. I also noticed my pace is getting slower. Again, it could be the adjustment to the heat, but i feel like by the time i finally get used to the heat, it will be winter again!
I think my new goal for next week is to get over my fear of the speed workout. I have been avoiding it because i am not fast, and i feel like even if i am alone on a track, someone will appear out of nowhere and yell "Hey! you suck! and you're running the wrong way!" But it's about time i get over that. Does anyone want to hold my hand and baby me through a track work out? Where does one find a track anyway? I feel like Kara Goucher is just presented with them. Somebody give me a track!
Maybe you need to take a week or two off from running to give your body a break. you have been nonstop for months now!
ReplyDeletetake a few weeks off and come to my place and we can drink margaritas and eat chips and guac and watch mad men. without gaining weight of course...
doesn't that life sound perfect?
When i show up with tequila and avocados, you better not turn me away..
DeleteI agree with Kelsey (especially about margs and chips and guac). Seriously, though, for every mile you race it takes at least that many days to recover. So, don't worry so much about your pace for two weeks or take a week off!
ReplyDeleteI heard that too, i was just hoping that the marathon would make me even faster and tougher!
DeleteI am only beginning to do easy track workouts for the Chicago marathon. But if you want to meet in the a.m. before work, at the North Park University Track, I can show you which direction to run. Not that that even matters because, there are always a few non-athletes and neighborhood kids walking (and riding bikes!) against the grain, so you won't stand out at all anyway.
ReplyDeleteYes! I have heard a lot of people talk about that track recently. I am going to try to psyche myself up to a speed work out in the next couple weeks! (the kids on bikes actually make me feel better...is that weird?)
Deleteum, maybe get your iron and vitamin d checked out? you never know....
ReplyDeleteI actually bought some vitamin D, just to see if it helps
DeleteLove, love...that pic of Waffles! I need to start snapping some pics of my animals silly positions...
ReplyDeleteShe is a constant delight!
DeleteI just started reading more recently but I'm a fellow Chicagoan! I wonder if you're underestimating how much the heat can affect your workout and how you feel (being exhausted all the time). I've been a runner for a while now, but have never really adjusted to working out in the heat despite living in places where the summer is a scorcher. My times are always slower in the summer, my running generally sucks more, and I usually want to face plant in front of an AC at all times. Give yourself some credit too for having just run two marathons (and I want to say a half too??)-that's really amazing!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you found me! I know the heat is having an impact, i just hate to admit it. Some people acclimate to heat in a few days, but for me, its like a few weeks....if not months, haha
DeleteYou could just need a week off. It is hot and it sucks. I need to move somewhere where it is 60-70 degrees year round.
ReplyDeleteYou are so wise....where is this magical weather place??
DeleteOh Waffles--too, too funny!
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you my track story. We were in NC visiting the ILs and I was all gung ho and new to marathon training. I had a track workout so FIL dropped me off at the UNC track. I was going about my business when the freaking UNC track team came out (think Marion Jones, golden track spikes, etc). I was wigged but couldn't leave cuz I had no ride. So I held my ground and puttered along. Never so intimidated though.
Rest up girl. take your morning pulse. Sounds like possibly some overtraining to me.
That is so awesome! That is my fear, that i will be on the track, and then the kenyan olympic team will randomly be using it that day and i will be trampled. Or worse, laughed at.
DeleteDude, I am WAY slower this summer compared to the winter. Granted, I am like still within my first full year of "running legit" so I freaked out and was all like WHY?! I did gain 3 lbs too so I thought maybe that was affecting my pace but 3 measly lbs? I agree with everyone and I know you don't want to, but I recommend a legit break. Like more than 2 days. Try not to freak out and die in the process like I do when I rest. And if you find a track in the burbs that is open for use, seriously let me know, I'll waddle around it with you while we sweat off our 300 lb legs.
ReplyDeleteYeah, i really only have a year under my belt too....i guess even olympians weren't built in a year? I think i might google map all of chicago land and hunt for tracks...
DeleteI have a track just down the road from my place, but I'm guessing that's not too near to YOUR place. My track workout was nice last night - I think you should get some.
ReplyDeleteIts gonna happen. I just dont know when or where.
DeleteTake it easy, and maybe make sure you're getting enough protein. My hubby just went to the running institute for a nutrition consult last night - he's going to take some of their tips.
ReplyDeleteBut I agree - take a few days off to see if your legs and energy come back!
Otherwise my tip on finding a track near you: Google Earth your neighborhood. I live in Wicker Park and can share the places I've found.
I am in the process of cleaning up my diet this week. Thank god for farmers markets. I live in logan square, neighbor!
DeleteI'd love to run on a track but have no idea where any are around here
ReplyDeleteWaffles! Hahahahah she is awesome!
Maybe you are over trained? Take a week off and pamper yourself to see if you feel better.
I think you're right, its harder to take a break than it is to train!
DeleteI agree with the others, take a break.
ReplyDeleteGood call :)
DeleteDo you think it's your mood or a running thing? I only ask because I feel exhausted when I am down.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad about running slow or less. The heat will take a little but of acclimation but you'll get used to it soon! And only you know how much recovery time you need from the marathons! It's different for everyone!!!
I think a lot of it is mental. Every distance seems so far. I need to get back into the training swing where i run with people and the runs are long and slow and awesome :D
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