Last weekend’s long training run called for 10 miles. This is ususally the max distance I train up to for half marathons – sometimes I add a mile walk after the 10. Usually I approach this distance with relief in my training, but last weekend it was more like dread as its only HALF of the longest distance I will be running to train for the Walt Disney World Full Marathon I am running in January. Despite a lingering feeling I am fighting “WHY DID YOU SIGN UP FOR FULL?”, the run started out great. It was sunny and mid 40’s so pleasant temperature wise for me. Suddently at mile 8, Dr Evil showed up.
He stole it. I had set a goal pace and was happily meeting it, more so actually. I stopped mile 8 at my car to switch out water bottles and I never quite recovered. I also took of my vest as I was hot. Perhaps I took too long, perhaps mentally I was “At the Car” and ready to go home rather than run miles 8, 9 and 10. The nagging if you can’t even do 8 miles how are you gonna do 26.2 hit me. I walked more than my usual 30/30’s called for. It was time to suck it up.
I was able to get it back and here is what I did during the run:
- Gave myself permission to walk in mile 8 more than my intervals and NOT look at my Garmin at all during that mile.
- Told myself I would get back on track during mile 9.
- Told myself I would step it up in mile 10 to finish strong and be AT my goal pace.
- Changed out my music just before mile 9.
And it worked. I was close to the Walt Disney Full max 16 minute mile limit at mile 8, but I was just under it. Mile 9 was faster than 8 and while slower than target pace, but for sure closer than mile 8. Mile 10 was faster than 9…granted, I wanted it to be faster, but I got some texts from my husband who was in charge with getting Mini Me to her tennis event and needed responses. Dude, I am running 10 miles, please leave me be.
The best thing, I finished EXACTLY with an average of the 10 miles at my target pace – training goal met. I realized in mile 10 I was close to making my goal and I finished right on the money. While I normally tend to focus on the negative when it comes to me, I was able to look at big picture and celebrate it.
After my run, I got some advice from my training coaches about this nagging feeling and you know what – I need to Let.It.Go…yeah, thanks Elsa. Each training run builds on the next one and I need to just get them done. I don’t go for the max distance until 2 months from now, I need to stop thinking about 26.2 and focus on what is my next run. Today its 3 miles, yah, just 3. I need to get out the door and get them done.
Have you ever had to get your mojo back? What did you do to get hour head back in the game?
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O I hear ya on this marathon training! I have no idea why I signed up for the Goofy Challenge. I am insane! Just remember, there is NO bad training run! If you got up to do it, then it is a success! Hang in there!
Thankfully my Goofy Challenge thoughts PASSED …Oh I had them for sure, so glad I wised up to my ability. Thanks seriously..I am now good with JUST training up to 10 miles…really, I got that LOL. AND you know 10 mile races are sounding ever better since I had my meltdown at 8! Yeah, i can easily train to 8…
Julie @RunWalkFastpass recently posted…Losing Mojo Mid-Run and Getting It Back To Finish Strong
Nice work Julie, I now run most of my long training runs with a group and the peer pressure helps me through the tough spots. When I trained solo (and did so for Dopey) I just made a plan and stuck to it. There are always bad training runs during any cycle, but those make you a stronger runner. If you ever need some encouraging texts during a long run, send me a message. I can be your cheerleader!
Pam recently posted…How to lose your running buddy during a night race
Yeah, I can do the 11 miler this week, then I need people…really I need them. And at my slow pace, I am the caboose so it helps to have texts! I need to sign up for an app and I will surely let you know when I am going out there. I need LOTS of cheerleaders!
Julie @RunWalkFastpass recently posted…Losing Mojo Mid-Run and Getting It Back To Finish Strong
Wow..I am aiming to run just 1 full mile without stopping. I have always been good at short distance running but never long but I just completed a hike of 22.26 miles a few weeks ago and it has really inspired me to want to challenge myself to participate in half marathons. How long would you suggest I give myself to train for such a race? And any apps you use to train?
Ashley recently posted…Bride Q & A: Kelly
Ashley congrats on your hike! That is nothing to sneeze at at all. When I did my first half marathon, I joined a Galloway Training group as I found I liked intervals. I had prior done the Couch to 5k workout and found when I got up to full running, I got bored, I preferred intervals. Jeff Galloway’s programs are suggest 18 weeks for beginners and can be found on his website. Hal Higdon has a plan too which I think timewise are the same. I use an app on my phone called Interval Runner for my interval cues, it tells me when to stop walking and start running…and I can program it at different intervals. It also has Couch to 5k Preprogrammed on there which starts as intervals and works up to running a 5k. For distance I LOVE my Garmin watch….its nice to be able to see if I am on pace and to not have to preplan a route since the GPS tells me distance. Good luck in your training! Sign up for a 5k and train for it while thinking of a half you might want to commit to down the road.
YAY! I had the same training run on Monday. LOL I know it will be better when we are together- but training, man, this stinks! Hang in there J!
Patty H recently posted…Surf City 10 Race Re-Cap 2014
I think its funny how we are having the same convo’s with eachother in our training runs “practicing for the marathon”. We got this….well I say that today….
Julie @RunWalkFastpass recently posted…Losing Mojo Mid-Run and Getting It Back To Finish Strong