Photo curtsey of Erica Sara
Turns out, if you don’t do any track work outs or tempo runs for three months (besides one 5K), you won’t get any faster. In fact, you might actually get a little out of shape. After the NYCRuns 10 Mile Race on Sunday, I definitely learned that lesson.
While not my best (or smartest) race, I had a lot of fun running with Susan & Betsy (for a little while)…and that’s what it is all about, right? I tried a couple of tempo miles in the middle of the race to see where my fitness level was at (which was an interesting experiment that didn’t last long). While I don’t recommend this “tempo miles in the middle of a race strategy”, it was great to stretch out my legs for a bit.
10 miles in 1:29 = This gives me a great jumping off point to start a new training cycle (or at least that is what I keep telling myself!). I’m not too worried about getting my fitness back…I’m trying to learn from one Pro and “Own My Off-Season”.
Question: Have you ever freaked out at the beginning of a training cycle??
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I’m in the middle of one and royally freaking out. Last week was the last run that I’ve already done the distance for…from here on out, it’s all new miles, and I’m wondering how I can cram 2 more onto what I’m already running…but I’m sure it’ll work just fine. Gotta have faith!
I freak on almost a daily basis. Really mostly after speedwork (or during it which I am sure helps) bc I suck at it and because it is what I am naturally worst at it is what I lose the most quickly when I haven’t been doing it. Give me a long run any day! Let me know if you go to the track ever…I need track buddies!!
Yep, I pretty much freak out at the start of every training cycle. It’s tough getting back into it, but I always find my groove again
Indeed! I also tend to feel out of shape because I haven’t gained any speed. It’s not necessarily “out of shape”, just not at peak marathon shape. And that’s okay! That’s why we train.
yes-currently freaking out with this hip issue and it’s really the beginning of eugene training. not cool. hoping for the best!
I always freak out and kinda dread the beginning of a marathon training cycle. Those scheduled long runs can play with my head.
Girlfriend, I have freaked out at the beginning, middle, and end of various training cycles. {racing on Sunday and have freaked out the past few weeks – not looking fwd to this race!}.
Have also learned the lesson that not doing speed work means not getting faster, but for some reason I have trouble accepting this and implementing change! Gah!
Wish me luck this weekend – i’ll need it!
Tempo miles….so THAT’s why you took off!
OMG Love that picture of you! Seriously…Oiselle team athlete profile pic! (actually I just looked at your oiselle profile – very similar but I like this one better ) Also you will get back in shape super quick, I am sure. And finally I hope you ENJOYED running in shorts while in Cali for me, it is like -4 degrees here (ok officially 20, feels like 6) and I WANT SUMMER BACK.
Yes, I’m freaking out now!
I completely freak out every time I stop running – or run fewer miles. I think my fitness is gone into the ether, never to return, but really, it just takes a week or two and everything is back (the speed, the stamina…my appetite!)
Those knee warmer’s are genius! I’m usually freaking out about a month out from my A race.