Saturday, March 28, 2009

9 is the new 20

Alternate title: I need to get my shit together.

I've been feeling a little funk coming on for the last couple weeks. I'm halfway through my marathon training, stuck in that place where I feel like I've already run SO much, but still have a long way to go. The funk came for an extended visit this week. I ran a race Sunday, and until today, didn't run another mile. I have all sorts of excuses (I mean, perfectly valid reasons) -- the weather, work, husband out of town, pure exhaustion . . . the list goes on and on.

So today, a big 20 miles was staring at me from the schedule. Even though I was dreading it, I fully intended to run the whole thing. Jim came over at 7:30 to run and we were off. He's in a little funk too, and it was too easy for us to talk ourselves into cutting it short. We ended up doing nine miles. Not even double digits. And each of those nine felt like complete crap to me.

I'm trying not to make too much of this wimpy little run, and not to get panicked about the marathon. "Just get back on track" is my new mantra. I've got to figure out a way to keep this minor setback from becoming a complete trainwreck.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking you've GOT your shit together. This is just a natural part of the marathon training hell cycle. You're smart to listen to your body and not push out the 20, just because that's what your schedule calls for.

ShutUpandRun said...

Yeah I totally get that. Some days you are just not feeling it. Rest assured,you will make up for it.

Marlene said...

I remember feeling that way too and bailing on a couple of big runs. You'll get right back at it and this won't mater in the big picture.

Carly said...

Your Mojo will return. Some days are just like that.

Anonymous said...

You still have plenty of time to get back in the groove. Put this run behind you and just keep moving forward.

Felice Devine said...

I'm with theloosemoose! And 9 is still a long run, so you are getting a benefit there.

I Run for Fun said...

You're just having a really busy time. It's a new week now. You'll do great!

MCM Mama said...

You'll come back. It's normal to have the occasional long run that doesn't happen. Hope the funk moves on soon!

Running Through Life said...

You just had an off day, not to worry, you will be back on track in no time. I can tell that you aren't going to let one off day throw you from your training.

Hang in there!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

hang in there, we all have off days -- you probably did yourself by not forcing the miles just cuz they were on paper. You'll do awesome in your marathon.

Aron said...

it happens... hang in there and just get back on track like you said. i am sure your body is just a little tired after all those great runs and just needed a little break!

Ali said...

This is what I tell myself when I cut a run short ... 9 good miles are better than 20 crap miles where i never want to run again.