August 3, 2008

Too Difficult?

Is 70+ too much for me? I chose this plan b/c I felt higher mileage would help me lower my marathon time. I have tried many various plans and made VERY gradual improvements in my time. For some reason, about Thursday of this week I was sick and tired of running. The heat is taking its toll on me. I am sick of sweating and feeling hot. I know, I know, what do I expect in the south. I was able to hit the mileage this past week to a "T", but it wasn't easy. I was dreading this morning's LR of 22 miles. I decided last night to look at the run like my job- sometimes it is really hard, but in the end all the hard work is worth it. My "task" this morning was to take care of my run. I ran the first 10 in the dark and had an 7:57 average. I got KIND OF into it after mile 10 and decided to push the pace just a tad. I held on pretty well until mile 19 when the sun really decided to beam down on me. This is also when I was no longer in shade and had no beverages left. I actually stopped where a woman was watering her plants and asked her for a sip of hose water. Nasty, I know, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I finished out the run w/ a 7:47 pace. Not even close to where I need to be for a sub-3. I was discouraged with my pace, but relieved the run was over. I have many thoughts running through my head right now, mostly questions.
1. Is my loser attitude being caused by too many miles? 87 a week IS a lot.
2. Was my LR time crappy b/c of too many miles or weather conditions? 76 degrees w/ 93% humidity (who knows what is was at the finish)
3. Do I need to revise my training plan and stray from Pfitz 70+?
All of this going on in my head along with the start of school. I will have 19 babies this year. My room is almost ready, just some minor housekeeping things to take care of. I'm getting excited!

Week in review:
7/28: 16 w/ no Garmin
7/29: A.M. 6 miles @ 8:21 pace; P.M. 4 miles @ 8:00 pace
7/30: 15 miles @ 7:33 pace
7/31: A.M. 6 miles (no garmin); P.M. 4 miles (no garmin)
8/1: 12 miles on TM; 1st 6 @ 7:30 pace, 2nd 6 @ 6:29
8/2: 8 miles easy (no garmin)
8/3: 22 miles @ 7:47 pace

Total: 93 miles (Monday's run was switched from last week.)

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous8/06/2008

    Sorry it has been so long since I've commented, but I've still been staying caught up!

    I'm finding myself in the same position as you. After recovering from an injury a few weeks ago, I feel like something is just missing. There have been more runs where I've left my Garmin at home because I just don't care/don't want to know my pace.. feeling less excited about a new run.. ugh!

    I ran another 1:36 half this last weekend. Like you - not where I need to be for a sub 3. Even though I didn't go all out, I don't think I could have shaved more than 6 minutes off. Grrr!!

    You hang in there. I'm hangin in there. This too shall pass. I need to get my butt in gear and go register for BayState before it fills!

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  2. I just looked at your blog for the first time. I was trying the 70+ plan, but started getting some injuries and really eased back with cross-training. But, it looks like mileage wise you are doing great!
    As far as the way you feel based on the tone of your last two posts I would say you're over-trained though. You mentioned 4-5 hours sleep a night? At 80+ miles a week? Cause for concern in my book. No desire to train this last week? Sounds like the body telling you something. I think with all of the mileage you have put in a very drastic cut-back week with lots of sleep and good nutrition would do wonders for you. But, just a humble Texan's opinion!
    Great job on the training plan though! You can absolutely break 3 hrs!

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