Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Running into Winter

When I'd venture out for a short run over the last eight weeks, after a few slow miles, I would inevitably want to speed up, but was not able tap the power that I used to have earlier in the year. When I would ask my legs to move faster they resisted and I felt that forcing them to do something they weren't ready for would only set me back. So, although I was happy to be out running in the cooler temps, it was frustrating knowing that I really only had one gear - slow. It's only been over the last few days that my hips are starting to feel "normal" once again and I have actually run a couple of fast miles without too much difficulty. So, my "time off" from running may be winding down just in time for my favorite running season!

Suburban running today
No sooner was I feeling slightly better than I started to contemplate racing again. I was even kicking around running the F^3 Half just for fun. I think if I do sign up for a race over the next couple of months it will be more "spur of the moment". That way, I can keep training easy and then just jump into a race without having followed a plan. I know myself too well - if I have a goal race I tend to train like a maniac and that's definitely not what I need to be doing right now. I need my inner coach to tell me to do less intense workouts, keep my weekly volume low and just enjoy the "off season". Otherwise, I'll have to pay a real coach to hold me back!

Anyone else doing the F^3?

8 comments:

  1. Yay for getting some of your speed back! I definitely think it's a good idea to just register last minute if you feel up to it - you need that "off season"! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Yes, I hope I can eventually get more of it (speed) back and not overdo it in the process. I haven't had an off-season in at least a couple of years and want to make sure it ends when I'm really ready for it to end!

      Delete
  2. Marcia gave me the "gears" talk this weekend. I need to find them all. After the holidays!

    No winter halfs for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha. I need to find my other gears as well. I understand about no winter halfs. The weather is always a big factor especially along the lakefront.

      Delete
  3. I'm glad to hear your hips are starting to feel "back to normal" again. I'm anticipating a significant winter hibernation from running with this angry hamstring. I've got my tri training bible sitting right here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. Enjoy your winter hibernation. I need to read my new marathon training book as well!

      Delete
  4. Glad to hear you're starting to feel like your zippy speedy self- those legs of yours carried you to some pretty epic stuff this year and deserved a small vacation :) I'm also considering F^3, but I'll sign up last minute again pending the weather- and that the lakefront isn't a sheet of ice. I had a lot of fun running it last year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I'm gradually getting back to my old self, but still have a long way to go before I am back to my peak! I had a blast running the F^3 last year too. It would be great if you did the F^3 if I do it, but like you I'm not certain I will make it out there. If they get a lot of snow the course could be dicey.

      Delete