Welcome to the weekly rundown. I am still in limbo as far as running is concerned. Still feeling out of sorts with training. That’s why it’s been quiet on the blog front lately. Linking up with hosts Deborah and Kim for this weekly training recap.
I am still in limbo. No races on the calendar. Still feeling like I can’t get a rhythm to my workouts and schedule. I blame limbo for my lack of posting on the blog. It’s been hard to find the motivation when I feel like my workouts have not been stellar…. and when I feel like I haven’t had a purpose to my running.
My month of April was spent with a focus on the running community. And it was BUSY! Every weekend I had running plans. First running the Milwaukee Marathon, then going to Boston, then to Crystal Lake, then to Kenosha, and this weekend out in the Kettle Moraine trail system. So much cheering and traveling has left my own running on pause.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ve LOVED these past few weekends. But it means that I am still in running limbo. I am struggling to pick a race to focus on, and a distance. Do I want to do a fall marathon? Or should I go back to trail and do an ultra? Or do I want to stick with these short and fast 5k and 10k races? Until I feel a pull or find something that excites me, I’ll remain in limbo.
Monday 5/7
Run: Easy hour at zone 2, plus an evening abs and arms class.
Tuesday 5/8
Run: Easy 6 miles while coaching track Tuesday. Tuesday morning the other coaches at EDGE and I have started a “Coach’s Kitchen” workout. It’s a strength class where we each come with one set to teach the other coaches. It’s been fun to learn and do a tough strength workout together.
Wednesday 5/9
Run: My first speed workout of the week did not go well. It was raining so I attempted this on the treadmill. The workout was .5 mi at tempo pace, 1 mi at 5k, .5 at tempo. I wanted to hit a mile at my stretch 5k pace, but that didn’t happen. When I run on the treadmill, I tend to weave side to side. There’s a TV that hangs in front of the treadmill, so I can only see my shoulder and part of my chest in the mirror. At the high paces, I was jostling around quite a bit and got nauseous/disoriented watching that in the mirror. I had to hop off the belt three times in the 6 minute mile and left feeling pretty disappointed.
Thursday 5/10
Run: Easy 6. Jeremy was back from his London Marathon vacation trip, so I drove to his place for an early run. It was rainy and HUMID. Naturally, I overdressed. We ran around Ping Tom Park (I had never been) and then over to the lakefront. Ended up running over 7 miles because math is hard.
Friday 5/11
Run: Went to the track for a speed workout. Similar to earlier in the week but extended the 5k portion. 1.25 mi at 5k, .75 mi at tempo, 2x .25 mi at mile pace. I felt great – smooth and fast. Plus, it was fun to have the track to myself!
Saturday 5/12
Rest: I drove up to Kettle Moraine in the early morning to cheer and crew the Ice Age 50 mile race. Like last year, I took Gwen around as Katie ran the 50 mile. However this year I had more company; four EDGE athletes were participating in the 50 mile race along with an athlete I coach, plus 10 other friends running the 50k and half marathon. We had quite the crew! I was out in the woods from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Sunday 5/13
Run: Easy 6 miles before Mother’s Day brunch.
How was your week? What are your thoughts on racing and the running culture? Let’s stay in touch! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more food/fitness related posts.
Happy running,
Becca
I’ve been in running limbo before. Then I got hurt. Now I’d give anything to be able to run again! I’m hoping that when I come back to running I love it just as much as before I went in my limbo because mine lasted a long time. I hope you find something you are passionate about racing wise and find a new focus soon!
I know it must feel strange to not be training for something, but a break can be nice. I’m sure as you listen to your heart you’ll find something when you’re ready.
I’m in limbo with you. And constantly rebuilding after being sick, it seems (but am back to normal now, knock on wood). Some of it is due to circumstances beyond my control at the moment — but it does have me thinking about racing, why we race . . . I’ve actually just started a blog post about it (not sure when it will actually get on the blog).
Sounds like you’re still doing solid workouts!
And I totally get the whole runner math thing, I have a tendency to get that wrong too.
It’s hard to get back into a routine after you’ve completed a big race, especially a marathon! For now, I say just do whatever feels right. Maybe that’s more cross training vs running. Eventually you’ll find a new routine that will work for you.
I hope you find in your heart the direction you want to take your running soon! You do have a wonderful, supportive community of runners and it looks like there’s no shortage of fun. The room that treadmill is situated in is so tight. I suspect that has something to do with the disoriented feeling.
Even though you’re in limbo (I am too and it’s a weird, uncomfortable place) at least you’re still getting out there and doing the work. When you’re ready to train, you’ll be able to jump right back in to a plan.
Thanks Wendy! I hope we can both get out of limbo soon 🙂
I’ve run by Ping Tom Park and it is pretty!
Hopefully soon you get of this limbo and find some motivation to train for another race? Have you don the Elmhurst 4 on the 4th? It is a pretty cool and fun race. Check it out!
That would be a unique distance for sure! I’ll see if I am in town 🙂
It is! I don’t know of another race that is 4 miles.
I get how it feels weird to not be training for something when you are used to always having something on your schedule. Maybe it’s good to take a short break from formal training and just run for fun? Hope you have a good week!
Thanks Deborah, you as well!
You still are getting in some quality workouts, though, despite your “limbo.” My treadmill is situated right in front of a window, I virtually have a “mirror” to stare into on a dark day or early morning/evening run (that is if and only if I’m stuck inside LOL). YOU probably know I am not a fan of the ‘mill, but having to watch myself in the window is fun for maybe 2 minutes LOL Thanks for linking with us 😉
Haha, yes the mill is not as fun as outdoors. But that sounds like a better set up for some mental stimulation.
Interesting that you have lost your mojo when your training seems to be going so well on paper! So many fun runs and events!
I ran the 1/2 at Ice Age several years ago when my husband ran the 50k. It was a crazy hot day, but a fun event!
I know, it’s puzzling to me too. I think the not knowing what races I am doing in the fall is what is holding me up. I feel like I can’t start training until I know, but I don’t know what I want to do!