I was excited to run with TG since it has been like FOREVER since we last run together. I went into the run a little arrogant because I had still kept up my distance and TG hadn't (mainly because he has a real job and I don't). Like I had two double digit mile runs around an 830 pace and well, TG didn't - yeah, I just knew I was going to be able to hang with him.
Excuse #1 for sucking: TG needed to run at 8 and I am used to being finished and home by 8am in the summer. I love the sun. I even LOVE summer. But running in the humid temps in the summer... stinks. It wasn't super bad (I have totally run in worst conditions), but it threw me off of my game.
Excuse #2 for sucking: I couldn't catch my breath. I have no idea why, really. By mile 2, I was breathing like I had just sprinted around the track. Sure it was a Code Orange day (literally), but I was breathing like a stalker. And when I finally was able to get a deep breath, a side stitch arrived. Boo!
Excuse #3 for sucking: We ran our "usual" course, but the slightly hilly trail did a number on my knees. By mile 3, I was seriously wanting to take the trail back to our neighborhood. My knees were aching. Was I still recovering from my Tri? I doubt it. I mean, I did have several runs after the Tri and did not have any issue with me knees.
Excuse #4 for sucking: Pace. Yes, PACE! I always seem to have a problem maintaining the same pace as TG. Even when he runs "my" pace, I feel like it is all I can do to stay with him. By mile 6, I stopped and walked about a 1/4 of a mile and waved TG on. He reluctantly went. As I started running again, I WAS maintaining a 830 pace... what is the deal? Why can't I maintain that pace while running next to him. UGH!
Excuse #5 for sucking: My IT band started to act up again. I mean, I haven't had that pain in a LONG TIME. I have no idea why. Was all of my pains in my head?
Excuse #6 for sucking: I walked... as in miles. Yep. I mentally and physically checked out at 11.5 miles. I walked 2 miles home. Pathetic. And I can only name a few parts of my body that did not ache.
In the end, I was glad to get a run with TG, but I am not sure we will be running together again anytime soon. He is training for a 70.3 and he *needs* to run his runs without this "sucker" holding him back.
As for my mental breakdown during the runs... what is with that? I was a COMPLETE whiner in my head... a total Negative Nancy! I had no problem running a solo 13.4 mile run 2 weeks ago at a 8:30 pace. And this run... well, let me just say, 11.5 miles in just under 2 hours.... not at all happy about that.
Have you had long runs that just SUCKED?
10 comments:
O, WOW!!! I just had one today! It sucked so badly that I couldn't even run far enough to actually get to call it a long run :( It was supposed to be 9 and ended up 6.7. And I was just mizzzzzzzerable. I am so sorry you were in the same boat... no fun.
Everyone has long runs that suck - and short ones! Running is SUCH a mental game. I'm learning that. It's hard to mentally push through even if you know your body is capable of better/faster/longer. But holy cow you kept up an 830 pace for 13.4? I can't even do that in 1 mile! jeez.
Of COURSE we've had long runs that just sucked! And so have you, I'm sure. Sometimes it's because of the weather; sometimes it's mental; and sometimes I think they just suck for the sake of sucking.
Yes, I've had plenty of long runs that just suck and I prefer to ignore my pace and garmin when that happens. It blows but it happens.
Yeah, I have! In fact I thought they were synonyms: long runs = sucking.
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We've all had them and you just have to leave it behind. It makes the good runs that much better.
Oh bummer. Sorry! Every runner has a sucky run now and then so no worries. The next one will rock. :)
I ran a half-marathon today and it was sunny and hot. Not my best run.
have totally had that my friend...just get back into it and you will be find. Plus humidity just stinks anyway:) Happy Tuesday my friend. xoxoxo!
just a hunch, but are you adjusting your stride, cadence or breathing to be in sync "with" TG? Because if you are, maybe that explains the PACE suck-age...
I tend to run the same cadence as the people I run with - this is fine, if they happen to run the cadence I run when I'm alone. There are a few that don't, however, and it can really screw up my breathing.
Oh, and sometimes you have to have a sucktastic long run so that you can appreciate the GREAT ONE when you get it. Oh, and running at 8am = a MAJOR FAIL for me too. Air Quality, big time.
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