I've gained a new perspective on running this week! That tends to happen every couple months as I sign up (or don't sign up) for races and re-evaluate any goals that I might have.
I've been really struggling lately with running. I mean I am running just fine, but it seems to be a bit harder and I'm not hitting the paces I am hoping to, I know for a fact it's because I am NOT doing strength training. I know I NEED to.
Because I'm not even doing injury prevention I've not allowed myself to run any of the summer races at the island this month. I've placed in my age group at both the Love Run and the Color Run last time I ran them so I was probably putting a little bit of pressure on myself to do just as well this year and I really didn't think that I could.
There are several 5K's I want to run this fall so I am hoping that once school starts I can get myself back in a routine and that I can make strength training part of it. I was feeling bad that I didn't have anything longer that a 5K planned for fall but then this is where my new perspective kicked in. I'm going to use this next season to try to improve. I never really cared about "improving" my running but I don't want it to feel hard while I'm doing. I need to get back into shape so running 3 miles seems effortless (or as close to it as possible). I figure there will be a day (hopefully not any time soon), that long distance running will be in my past and all I will only be able to run 5K's so I might as well keep up with!
I'm continuing to be consistent with my three runs a week and that has been working out for me. No pictures this week as I must have deleted my running pics. I'll try to do better next week! -M
I've struggled with motivation some days this summer. Now I kind of wish I chose a race later in the season since I had to start training earlier this summer than last year. Sometimes I just want to do nothing and enjoy the summer weather.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I always want to be outside and then I think I should be running too!
DeleteSummer running is tough. My plan has been to just keep showing up and running my 3 days a week and not worrying too much about pace. Hope you have a great week
ReplyDeleteYea, I guess it is silly to worry about pace during the summer. I should know better.
DeleteStrength training really makes such a difference! I hope you can back on track with it and back to doing some shorter races too.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I need to carve out time!
DeleteStrength training makes a big difference, and I'm finding HIIT workouts and speedwork do, too. I go through phases where I simply enjoy "coasting" for awhile and not putting in the excess work LOL, I think we all need a break like that once in awhile ;-)
ReplyDeleteMaybe summer was my break?
DeleteI feel you on the struggle. Running feels hard for me right now, but I love that everything else is feeling good. It's nice to have balance.
ReplyDeleteHopefully it will get better come fall!
DeleteI feel like this summer has been particularly hard, not because of the heat, but the humidity. It's hard to get into a groove when the humidity is so high and you feel like you're running through a swamp!
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear about the strength training! I think you will really like it and it will be really beneficial.
Yes, the humidity can be a challenge. I hope I can stick to the strength training!
DeleteI've been struggling with motivation too. My injury is mostly to blame, so I hear you with the strength exercises! I know your motivation will come though, it's one of those things that can't be forced.
ReplyDeleteI hope your injury gets better!
DeleteStick with it! Summer running sucks, but just keeping showing up. The work you do now will matter in future races!
ReplyDeleteAwesome to hear about strength training!
I want to like summer running so badly, bud it's hard! I hope I actually DO the strength training!
DeleteIncorporating strength is always a good thing. I've struggled with the motivation to get up to go run for a few months now. I assume once our weather cools, maybe I'll find it easier to do so. All of my runs feel hard -- I can't say they ever feel effortless. But, sometimes the hard feels good. And sometimes the hard just plain sucks. Does that make sense? Ha Ha. Thanks for linking!
ReplyDeleteYes, makes perfect sense. I do think the weather has a lot to do with it.
DeleteI'm always surprised how much of a difference strength training makes in my running. I think it's good to take the pressure off and just enjoy running when you can at whatever pace feels good!
ReplyDeleteI could tell the difference too when I was doing it it regularly. I need to get back to that feeling!
DeleteSometimes it's nice just to run!! Strength training is something I need to do more of too though.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why it's so hard to schedule that in! It's just so much easier to go for a run!..lol
DeleteIt sounds like we are on a similar wavelength when it comes to running plans! And hey, there's always time for you to run longer distances in the future...you've got a lot of years of running left! But for now, do what feels good and right for YOU. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope there is many years of running left. I ponder that thought each year!
DeleteI could have written this. This summer, one mile has felt hard. I do have long races on my schedule but I do not have the motivation to put in what it takes to get faster or better.
ReplyDeleteI consider just running 5ks because it is less daunting and there are many more so you can see the results of your effort right away.
We'll see. And yes I know I should strength train but who has the time?
My thoughts exactly...lol
DeleteSounds like great new perspective :) And it makes sense to incorporate strength training back into the routine. It does seem to make a difference with running.
ReplyDeleteI keep saying "I know it does" but i just need to do it...lol
DeleteStrength training is important but it sure is hard to fit it all in! My routine was marathon training + planks/leg lifts on easy days. That seemed to work. Then again, I pulled my groin on a run last weekend, so who am I to talk?! Maybe my routine doesn't work so well. Or maybe it was a fluke!
ReplyDeleteOh no! I should at least start by doing it one day a week ( I know it should be more but its better than nothing, right?)
DeleteFocusing on 5K's and more strength training sounds like a good plan! I think sometimes we have those cycles of being in a rut, I'm sure things will turn around soon!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually excited about the future 5K's. I think they will be fun!
DeleteI'm just getting into my strength training but totally forgot (really did) that Paul the Coach had also sent me some glute and hip flexor stuff to do - whoops! I'm going to dig that out. I even bought therapy band things to do it with, then got excited about the strength training and forgot about that!
ReplyDeleteHope you pick your training mojo up soon, maybe in better weather conditions.
I have the therapy band too! I guess it's time to dig that out!
DeleteMotivation is so hard to come by in the summer, especially with it being so hot all the time. I find that I'm more motivated if I have a race on my schedule so I tend to schedule fall races in order to make sure I'm always training for something. Hope your training mojo picks up soon!
ReplyDeleteMy motivation is there, it just feels harder than usual. I'm sure the heat is to blame!
DeleteI find routines to be most helpful when lacking motivation. I love that you are looking at things with new eyes and setting a new goal for yourself.
ReplyDeleteGot to mix things up somehow!
Delete"Improving" on 5Ks is a fun goal! They're short enough you can race several times.
ReplyDeleteYes! And they don't require a whole lot of training either!
DeleteI can relate to how running seems to ebb and flow. I've struggled to build back miles and am wondering the the heck I agreed to a marathon. Adding back strength training will be so good for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of you for signing up for another marathon!
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