In the last two weeks I've done an 11 and a 12 mile run respectively (along with daily outings of 3-6 miles). Neither long run was very pretty. Both left me questioning whether or not I can complete a marathon this year.
So... this morning I booked a hotel room for the Monumental Marathon! Why not? As the Grand Rapids Marathon director says, "I'm pretty sure that thinking you CAN is way better than thinking you CAN'T" (Don Kern).
The 11-mile run the week before last was brutal. It wasn't until around 9.5 that I felt at all assured I would be able to slog home. The 12 miles this past Friday... worse! I just could not get going. It's like my legs wouldn't work. I finally walked just shy of 8 miles, and had to walk 4 more times before 10. Then I basically alternated walking and jogging the rest of the way - simply trying to make it home without collapsing.
Yes, I know you're not supposed to let a bad run get you down. We all have them. But I'm not sure I've had a GOOD run this year!
I am hoping the problem has been a lack of calories. I've been trying to lose weight. I don't want to carry anymore flab around than I need to. Just 5 pounds would be sufficient (though 10 would be ideal). However, I realize I also need to take in enough nutrients to offset the amount of calories I'm burning. So I may need to replace the meal shakes with actual food now that my miles are adding up. Next year I need to lose the weight BEFORE I start training!
Anyway, while my training is on track as far as number of miles, it is lagging behind in quality. I have no speed, no power in my legs, and virtually no confidence. Again, I hope eating more actual food will help. We'll see.
***
Psalm 149:4
“For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”
No comments:
Post a Comment