Thursday, September 13, 2012

The Run That Wasn't Really

I had really high hopes for today.  According to my training plan, I was supposed to run 7 miles, with 4 mile repeats at 7:02.  I also planned to do my Jillian Michael's 6 Weeks to 6 Pack DVD after my run.  Neither of those things happened.

At least I got to wear my new Oiselle Roga shorts! If you don't own 
these shorts, do yourself a favor and buy them. Now. 
You're welcome. You can thank me later.   :)

While I have been loving the weather change this week, it has left me with a cold, and feeling rundown.  The last two nights, knowing that I wouldn't sleep well, I took NYQuil to knock myself out and get some serious shuteye.  Tuesday night I slept 9 hours.  Yesterday, I took a 3 hour nap after work, then slept 9 hours again.  This morning when my alarm went off at 9am, I could hardly open my eyes, and certainly couldn't pull myself out of bed.  After snoozing a few times, I finally got myself up, but still felt half asleep.  I needed to run this morning because I have to work late tonight, so this evening wasn't an option.  I finally got myself dressed and out the door, but while running over to Central Park, I still didn't feel like I was completely awake. I reasoned with myself that maybe I would just do 2 or 3 mile repeats since I've been congested, so tired and not feeling great.

After warming up for one mile, my watched beeped and I picked up the pace.  Sort of.  Usually, I can lock into my goal pace pretty quickly, or sometimes I even start off faster than goal pace and have to slow myself down.  Today, I couldn't get myself below 7:30 pace for the life of me. After half a mile, lots of phlegm and wanting to blow several snot rockets, I decided my body was trying to tell me something.  Today was certainly not the day for mile repeats.  It was hardly a day for running at all. I quickly (and gladly) gave up the idea of speedwork and traded it in for 5-6 easy miles.  But that didn't happen either. After two and a half miles, I was so tired, I contemplated walking home. But instead, I let myself go at whatever slow pace I wanted, and ran home slowly.

The end results: 4 slow miles. 1 minute plank. No mile repeats. No Jillian Michael's DVD.

While I wish I was feeling well enough to do what was on schedule for me today, I'm glad I didn't push it and gave myself a break. Since I'm running the Philadelphia Rock 'n' Roll Half on Sunday, it's definitely more important for me to feel better than go crazy pushing it before the race, and not being able to make it to the starting line.  There will be other days for mile repeats (sadly...I always dread them) when I have more energy and am not completely congested.

Until those days, I will keep wearing my beautiful new Say It Do It bracelet made by Erica Sara for inspiration!


Annnnd.....sorry if this post didn't make any sense.  I haven't had a drink in days but feel drunk.  Not sure if it's caffeinated iced tea I'm drinking so I don't end up asleep on my desk today, or if the NYQuil is still in my system, or if my balance is off from being congested/a possible ear infection.  Apologies!

What are your thoughts about training when you're not feeling well?  Do you skip it?  Run easy? Still stick to your plan?

5 comments:

  1. Well generally I train when I'm not feeling well because I just hate sitting around feeling like crap. I'd rather be moving around feeling like crap haha. I tried to train through a bad cold this summer, though, and because I pushed it I ended up being sick for 3 weeks (where as my bf got better in 1 week because he's inactive haha).

    There's no sure fast rule because I have run through colds and it has not hurt me, but if you feel it in your chest AT ALL, I do recommend no activity. Good luck and feel better!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I try to just get in the miles. If I am not feeling well sticking to the plan becomes virtually impossible. The plan can be hard when I am feeling good! Feel better!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I ALWAYS listen to my body. At the beginning of summer I needed 9 days of rest before I felt strong enough to run. If your body is saying don't push it, don't push it!!! GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!! You're amazing! You're going to rock it!!! Feel better and get a few more NyQuil induced solid nights of sleep.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good luck for your half!!! Your shorts looks good! What short are you gonna run your marathon with? I'm not sure I have any I like, any suggestions??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Get the Oiselle shorts! I have them in 2 different colors now- LOVE them. So comfortable, not too tight, not too long, not too short, and they have a pocket! They're my favorite shorts now and will probably wear them for the marathon!

      Delete