Saturday, April 3, 2010

Epic Fail?


I could not decide how to run my 22-miler, which is the first bad sign. Why would I not run it the way it says to run it my plan? I'm supposed to run at base pace for about 18 miles, then do 4 segments of 10 minutes each where you run progressively faster, ending at race pace (9:10).

I have a hard time with Progression runs. I never get the initial pace right, so I'm too fatigued to run faster at the end. Or, I take it too easy and finish the workout feeling like I cheated.

So, that got me thinking I should run a thirds progression run- which would mimic how I'm planning to race.


What actually ended up happening is that I overestimated my capabilities. I planned to run 10:09 pace for 18 miles, then to run faster. But at 18 I had nothing left. I finished the 22 miles at 10:09 pace (1 minute below race pace). It was hard. I wanted to stop. You know the drill...fa-tigue.


Now I don't know how to evaluate it- is 22 miles run at 1 minute below race pace even a good workout? Did I totally fail by changing things around? This is not good for confidence, people.

Your comments are needed, welcomed and appreciated. You guys never let me down.

12 comments:

  1. I can't give you advice...but you RAN 22 miles at 10:09!!!...how can that be a bad thing?! Perhaps you are overanalyzing a tad...I say, sit back and feel damn proud with yourself for getting such a great run in! :)

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  2. If it's any consolation, I can't run a progression long run to save my life. Heck, I can barely run a long run without shuffling at 12 min/miles the last few miles. I think it's a combination of many, many things but mostly, for me, it's because I've failed so many of these that there's so much pressure to finally DO nail one, and therefore I can't. Not fresh legs, long run mental problems, not fueling properly the couple days before....the list goes on, but mostly I set myself up for failure before I even step foot out the door. I gotta work on this when I get back from Boston cuz I really am struggling. Anyway, hang in there, girl! You DID get it done and hell ya, it counts!!!!!! Have a great Easter!!

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  3. I say that a 22 is a success, no matter what. They are hard--cut yourself some slack and give yourself a pat on the back.

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  4. Don't sweat it. I recall these same worries before your last Marathon. Just have faith in your fitness. It is there. Above you wrote you sometimes start too slow and feel like you cheated... well, I think this might be right where you want to be, mentally. Get into that mindset- the flow will come to you. 22 miles is too long a distance to run with anxiety.
    Nice job on your run:)

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  5. Woo hoo for twenty-two mile runs!! You did it and that is an accomplishment:) I agree with Sean, just have faith in yourself...you are going to do fantastic!! Keep smiling and chin up girl!!

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  6. I'm not familiar with the type of plan you are on, but I would think you would need one heck of base to pull it off. To me, it sounds like a good 22 mile run and perhaps that's what you should focus on.

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  7. Don't sweat the workout. You ran a very successful long run, which is supposed to be 60 to 90 seconds slower than race pace. The fact that you were fatigued is a great sign, and you still managed to finish.

    Remember, you are now going into your taper. LET YOUR BODY REST! Of course you should still keep your intensity pretty consistent even though you are reducing miles.

    I am surprised you tried to do this intense of a workout this close to race day. Where is the 3 week taper?

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  8. You guys are frackin' hardcore. The thought of doing a progression long run is making me want to puke right now. Call me a big old Oprah Vajajay, but I'm lucky to manage a LSD at an easy pace. Now I think I'm going to curl up into a little ball and rock myself to sleep as my training is clearly subpar!

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  9. You're reading too much into it. You've been doing hard workouts and came into the run not feeling as rested as you'll be for the race. I always try to do my long runs so that I have to involuntarily slow; it's at that point that one's actually inproving.

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  10. Sounds to me as it was a pretty good run. 22 miles is good no matter what in my book! Keep up the positive thoughts and get rid of anything negative.

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  11. Hey there! I wanted to drop by so say THANKS for visiting my blog and for your comment(s). I'm excited to see what you're all about!

    I have similar issues with progression runs. In fact, it's one of the things I'm determined to work on this year... finding that perfect pace to start at, not too fast but not too slow.

    So your 22 miler didn't go exactly as you hoped - you still had a great run! 1 min off race pace is not bad on a long run.

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  12. I wouldn't get too worked up over a crappy run. Granted it was slower than you would have liked, but you finished the miles. Sometimes it is about covering the miles and not the pace.

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