Pathetic
Sorry for the long delay, folks.
I did run last weekend, but only 3-4 miles. I took Bear to the park and we went out at about an 8:00 pace. Whenever I don’t warm up, running fast takes a lot out of me, and I was pretty beat up after just a couple of laps. It didn’t help that this was about 11am and I hadn’t had a drop to drink all morning, something I really need to work on.
Since then? Not a step. Life has been pretty hectic lately. I just started a fairly long onsite project, and that’s been screwing with my schedule. I know, its an excuse. My legs are a bit tight, probably from a lack of running. I can run in the park in the dark, but I haven’t. I did get up early yesterday to run and it was pouring, so I didn’t. Lame. I’ve also still been eating like I’m in marathon recovery mode, which is unusual.
Still, this weekend is the BagelFest 5K. Even with my lack of preparation, I’m planning on doing it. I want a one mile slow warm up, then I’ll go out at around a 7:15 pace, or maybe just plan on doing a 3/2 breathing pattern for the first mile. Come mile two I want to be doing a solid 2/2, and my goal is to cross the finish line completely spent. How long that will take me is another question.
On the one hand I feel slow, bloated and unprepared. On the other hand - its just three miles. I ran over eight times that far just a couple of weeks ago. I can let myself go now. This should be a run in the park at this point, right?
This evening should be clear and not too cold. I should run.
Popularity: 4%
Mar 3rd 2005
3:06 PM
don’t beat yourself up, richard. i think i’ve hit that post marathon slump after every one that i’ve run. it takes me a couple weeks of crappy mileage to work through it, but then i’m right back at it. hang in there, but know that we miss your posting!
Mar 3rd 2005
3:47 PM
you’re back!
“slow, bloated and unprepared” <– that’s me too, especially after the Half and trying to get up at 5:15 to run. ugh.
But you’ll have a great run this weekend, especially since you are already thinking about it. Will run for bagels. mmm…..Do they hand out popsicle sticks of lox spread at each waterstop? I should have signed up for this one - I need a race on my calendar.
Mar 3rd 2005
4:40 PM
Richard, be careful about the 5k this weekend. You’re still recovering from Freescale, so “run how you feel” instead of being a slave to your watch. The course is strange enough that the usual pacing methods may not be right (and I know you’ve run the course before). Good luck, though!
Mar 3rd 2005
5:19 PM
No worries Richard. Hey, you just finished a marathon. You are allowed a bit of slacking! After all, we aren’t a bunch of puritans are we? ;)
Glad about your racing strategy. You will kick it because you know it is a short time to suffer. Therefore, just remember that when you THINK you are spent, there IS still more in the tank. As Chris would say, “push hard and dig deep”.
Giver!
Mar 3rd 2005
7:38 PM
Okay, stupid question that I’ve been meaning to ask but was afraid to: What does a 3/2 breathing pattern mean? What does a 2/2 pattern mean? Thanks and sorry for my ignorance!
Mar 4th 2005
10:54 AM
Have an excellent race!
Mar 4th 2005
12:00 PM
I agree with the ‘run how you feel’ view. My MO in these situations is to tell myself that I’m just going to cruise through the run and enjoy myself. Of course that is the complete opposite of what I really think deep down, but trying to stay calm and somewhat detached at the start actually works: I always do better when I can maintain the more casual attitude up to and through the start.
And now for the voice of reason:
If it turns out that it isn’t such a great race for you, does it matter all that much? It isn’t as if this is the very last 5K on the planet (the season is jsut starting)! Besides, you can always write this off as your ‘post-marathon’ event.
Mar 4th 2005
12:03 PM
I agree with the ‘run how you feel’ view. My MO in these situations is to tell myself that I’m just going to cruise through the run and enjoy myself. Of course that is the complete opposite of what I really think deep down, but trying to stay calm and somewhat detached at the start actually works: I always do better when I can maintain the more casual attitude up to and through the start.
And now for the voice of reason:
If it turns out that it isn’t such a great race for you, does it matter all that much? It isn’t as if this is the very last 5K on the planet (the season is just starting)! Besides, you can always write this off as your ‘post-marathon’ event.
Mar 4th 2005
4:18 PM
You probably needed the break anyway. Let the old muscles settle back in to a normal routine and down off that balancing act between high fitness and total breakdown.
Good luck in the Bagel race! Bagels for after race food?
Mar 4th 2005
7:57 PM
Good Luck with the race!
Mar 5th 2005
10:00 PM
Richard: Hope that your race went well. I’m sure that it did. You work so hard at running and seem so determined.
Mar 6th 2005
7:06 AM
Jon: Bagels? Oh, yes.
http://www.bagelfest5k.com/Images/bf_bagels.jpg