I don't know how long these kiddos had been out on the trail but boy they looked beat. Either that or it was just way too early for them. As to not intrude on their run I decided to run the opposite direction on the trail. I ended up running towards even more kids running up the trail. I noticed not one of them looked happy and none of them were wearing any tech type clothing. They all had cotton t-shirts on. What are these coaches teaching them? Why aren't they wearing breathable fabric? No wonder they all looked so miserable.
Okay, back to my run. I was feeling good and thought I was having a pretty good run. After the first mile I looked down at my Garmin and noticed my time and thought, Gee, that kind of stinks. I had to remember that I was going for good solid mileage and not time. I also had to remember that I was listening to the radio on my ipod. EVERY time I listen to the radio instead of my running playlist my time is slower. It must be because I don't have control over the upbeat music that I usually run to and also listening to people talk does not make me run fast. This is one reason I don't think I could ever listen to a podcast while I run.
In the end I did complete 5 miles and was pleased. I mentioned last week about how I had pain in my knee after the run. I iced it as soon as I got home and hadn't had a problem since.
How was your last run? Do you ever listen to the radio on your run? -M
That's what happens to me when I listen to podcasts instead of music! As soon as I switch to music my pace instantly speeds up. Crazy how that happens!
ReplyDeleteI totally get it!
DeleteMusic is the only way to go for me. As I was struggling through my 5 miler in the rain last night, I loved how what I call power songs came on whenever I was really fighting with my speed. Chit chat just doesn't give you that same burst of energy when you really need it.
ReplyDeleteI like listening to the variety the radio provides but yea, hate the talking parts and the commercials!
DeleteThe kids might have been trying out for something instead of on a team. One would hope their coach teaches them better. I only listen to books on tape when I'm doing a long run. It helps me slow down when I need to.
ReplyDeleteI never need help slowing down..lol
DeleteNope, I only listen to music or, very rarely, nothing at all. I know the music influences my speed, but I don't care. Music is fun :)
ReplyDeleteI guess I would rather listen to something than nothing at all, maybe...lol
DeleteCongrats on getting 5 miles done! I saw some XC kids when I was running at Pinchot Park on Friday. I wanted to run with them but unfortunately I don't think I could have kept up!
ReplyDeleteHa, you could have totally kept up with this group!
DeleteI see those XC runners on my morning runs a lot. And not one of them looks happy. How about the stragglers who are left behind? I always feel sorry for them.
ReplyDeleteThey are probably wonder why they are up running that early during their summer break..haha
DeleteHow weird that the kids were all wearing cotton! You think their coaches would have said something about that. Maybe because it was the first run and they just hadn't gotten to it yet? I tried running with a podcast once and I was definitely slower. I generally have stuck to music after that.
ReplyDeleteI see the HS track team all the time and yes they do work them pretty hard and they always look like they are dying when I see them. Not sure they do learn the best techniques for long term running
ReplyDeleteGlad your knee was OK after icing.
ReplyDeleteI can't listen to the radio either. All the breaks & commercials mess me up. I need a constant beat to keep going.
I pass a cross country team every day driving home & I see things & think the same thing - what are they being taught. Some of them look like they are in MISERY.
Glad to hear your knee is feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI love the saying "never judge a run by its first mile!" The first mile is always really hard for me but then I get pumped for the 2nd one :)
Waay to go on those 5 miles! I hope your knee feels better!
ReplyDeleteI ran into Cross country kids the other day too... well, more like the flew past me on their shorty shorts and no top.. that's how I identified they were cross country.
I definitely think what you listen to has an affect on your pace. I usually stick to my play list. I haven't ran in almost 2 weeks. Ack...I really need to figure out a way to mix it in to my crazy busy schedule.
ReplyDeleteI've been really amazed by the influence what I'm listening to has on my running - not only my pace, but just how I feel about the run. The wrong beat or mood and it just kills my running mojo. I've never tried listening to the radio, but I don't think the talking part of it would jive very well. Regardless, sounds like a great run (wish everyone on your trail enjoyed it)!
ReplyDeleteI usually have music with me...not sure how I'd do with a podcast or just the radio. I also wonder if my cadence changes depending on the song (?)
ReplyDeleteI totally run slower when I listen to a podcast over music too!
ReplyDeleteYou just took me back to my cross country days, LOL.
ReplyDeleteI doubt it's the coaches, most kids in high school's parents likely can't afford to buy them the proper stuff. But their uniforms are usually all issued by school and those are usually great quality. Likley they were only out for 2-5 mile runs, so not long enough for that cotton to chafe too much:)
I remember in school one of our best runners was a bit on the poor side, she didn't even have a sports shoe to run in, in fact she ran in a off brand of keds, and she still kicked most peoples butt, LOL
I don't remember if I've ever listened to just the radio when running, maybe long time ago. Usually I listen to music, but I've tried books before and oddly they are great especially if it's a good one. They always make me run longer than I intended just to hear more of the story, LOL But yeah, if your not careful it can slow ya a bit if you get distracted too much.
The sun was a little intense on my last run and it was slow too. I always listen to the same playlist, I need to mix it up. BUT I've been running alongside the Biltmore sunflowers... which is pure joy!
ReplyDeleteListening to the radio instead of a playlist makes me run slower, too! I think the commercials, or not being able to anticipate the next track, really messes with my mind!
ReplyDelete