...I don't have a training plan to follow. You see, I am a rule follower.
I stay inside the lines when coloring.
I drive the speed limit (okay, I don't totally do that).
I eat my veggies.
I'm eating my veggies, Mom...er, grass
If I am told to do something (i.e. training plan), I do it. I like being held accountable.
This summer, I have been "winging it". I still get a longish run in each week, try to do some hills and/or repeats, and have been keeping my weekly mileage around 30ish miles. However, I don't have a set PLAN.
And, since I had 2 months off this summer (the beauty of a 10 month college advising position), I have more time to exercise! Enter my love for spin class.
So, there have been days where I may have been over-doing it for me, personally. But, my long run this weekend was an underachievement.
My $15 Nike shorts at TJ Maxx were a major achievement though. I really love the fit. Slightly different than my other tempos.
Kinda looks like I have these pulled up to my sports bra, doesn't it?
Anyway, back to my suckfest. I began with the intent on doing 10 miles (12 if I felt good) and only managed 8. If I was told to do the 12, I would've sucked it up and made it happen. But, I gave in to ME. I let ME down. (To clarify, 8 miles is still a good run, I just have been training for more).
In my defense, my GI tract was simply not cooperating. Thankfully, I ran at a park with several restrooms throughout the paved trail, so I did not shart myself.
However, this is where running buddies and being on a team help. Not with GI distress obviously, but giving you that extra push to dig deep and keep going. Our bodies are pretty freaking amazing, but our minds are even more so.
Speaking of cheap shorts, I got this number for $10.
In other news, I had my first pedicure in over a year. Yep. I'm thrifty and slightly embarrassed about my runner's feet. But, my feet feel SO MUCH better now. I won't wait that long again.
Teal toes
So, I had a bad run. We all do. I have bonked a marathon. I have won multiple Pukie Awards. But, I always lace up my shoes and give it another shot. Redemption runs are the best and here's to knowing I have a future one in me (and so do you).
Do you like to follow training plans?
What do you tell yourself during/after a less-than-satisfactory training sesh/run?
First I need to say what everyone will be thinking...
ReplyDeleteawesome boobs in that white tank, girl! Woo hoo!
Second, cutting a run short because of GI stuff ... how would you have been able to suck that up and do another 4 miles? IMO, no defense needed.
I like following training plans that I like :P And my self-talk in times like that is ... just finish it out... just make it to the bathroom... hold on... hold on! But if it's for other reasons, I remind myself that there are other days and other workouts and that this particular ick-fest is not what defines me as a runner OR as a person.
I totally get what you're saying about having too much time and maybe not a specific plan. Great job on getting what you could out of that run. GI issues will make it or break it, period. You can convince yourself all day long that you're going to run x distance at y pace, but when your GI has something different to say about it, z is an entirely different outcome. So great job, missy!
ReplyDeleteI am the exact same way, so I decided to make a plan for the summer and that works so much better for me. The way my mind plays tricks on me (like when I would set out to run 5 and I'd finish 3 -- like you described about your long run) -- is insane.
ReplyDeleteRedemption runs are the best and I look forward to hearing about your next great run, it is coming soon I just know it!
Nice scores on the shorts!
ReplyDeleteI do like to follow plans, but haven't found that perfect one yet.
I decided a long time ago that every run isn't going to be rainbows and puppies (I really don't thing that's the saying, but I can't remember what is), so I just do what I can in that moment and remind myself there's more to come.
I am the same way. I do so much better on a plan!
ReplyDeleteThank heavens you didn't shart those hot pink beauties.
Yuck I hate having runs like that! I've been planning all of my long runs with a partner for that reason. I can't stop early if someone's with me, right?
ReplyDeleteI don't really follow plans, but I'm generally following the long run distances on one.
Love the pedicure! I always feel like I have to apologize to the pedicurist when I go in. Like "sorry I have gross runners feet. just work around it."
I do much better on a training plan too and it's really how I got into serious running in the first place. I had always been active and worked out, but being on a plan and driving towards a goal (a race) helps me stay motivated. But sometimes it is nice (maybe for a month) to be plan-free. Sorry about your disappointing run. Those actually make us stronger runners and will make you feel feel proder when you kill that 12 miler next week.
ReplyDeleteI do much better on a plan, too. I love having a plan on my desk and marking off the workouts. Sorry your run sucked. It does make the good runs even better.
ReplyDeleteyou look great! I love me some TJMaxx too! Great shorts!!
ReplyDeleteI have NEVER had a training plan, so I'm not sure...I guess I'll know after January!!!
Love the teal toes...I am bad about getting pedi's regularly now that I stay at home with them!
Why can't I find great deals on awesome shorts at my TJ's?? I look every single time. You look great! Love the pink!
ReplyDeleteI followed the half marathon training plan in Marathon Rookie in the spring for my first half. I liked it ok. I am currently training for my 2nd and 3rd half marathons and have been using the one in the July (I think) issue of Runner's World. I absolutely LOVE it and have done SO much better at sticking to every single day's plan this go round. I have tried to wing it in the past with certain training and just never was successful. I feel like having a plan is better for me since I am naturally a planner.
LOL I had the GI thing happen on a long run a few months ago...followed by a cotton wood incident. I wanted to curl up on the side of the road and cry LOL.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important thing is to realize that the bad runs make us stronger mentally for races, our daily runs don't just toughen our body but they train our brains and psyche.
BTW rockin' rack ;) Damn girl!
GI stuff is my biggest running hurdle. I can't seem to get a handle on it - some times it sucks and lots of those times, there's no real reason.
ReplyDeleteI am like you - no training plan = no will. I hate that.
Damn I need to go to Tj Max and see what I can find. LOL...I've never really followed a training plan. I just recently made one though and hope that by following it I will be able to accomplish my timed goal for my next marathon.
ReplyDeleteYes! I love bargain shopping!
ReplyDeleteI need to follow a plan or I get totally sidetracked. I end up not doing anything at all.
I definitely stick to my training plan as much as possible but life certainly gets in the way at times and I try not to beat myself up over it too much!
ReplyDeleteyep,XLMIC is right about the boobage
ReplyDeleteand I need a training plan
and people to keep me accountable
and a cattle prod
hehe
I SEE YOU IN 17 DAYS.WHOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEE
I am like you, I have to have some sort of plan and routine. If I plan it out then I am more likely to complete it!
ReplyDeleteIt is not just you my dear, I think a majority of people lose motivation when there is no set goal in the short-term plan. BUT enjoy this time! Try something new, okay I know you already did that with the spinning, but try so cross fit or something crazy like that to spice things up a bit.
ReplyDeleteI love your taste in shorts! I wish I had a hot pink pair so cars could see me coming from a mile away!
I feel the same way when I don't have a plan. I just sort of meander about with my workouts I feel when I don't. Need.Structure. haha
ReplyDeleteLove the new stuff. I'm not good at training plan. That is why I like to have a running partner that keeps me accountable. But boy it hard to find running partners in a small town that run the same pace as you. Boy you have an awesome job. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the sucky 8 miles. Hey, at least you got in some miles. Better than sitting in front of the tv eating bad foods.
ReplyDeleteMust.Have.Training.Plans
ReplyDeleteDon't know how people do it without them or make up their own. I can't do that.
I agree that 8 miles is better than no miles!
ReplyDeleteYahoooo for Julia on winning your giveaway.
I crashed and burned during a half-marathon this weekend, so I am hoping that my next few races will give me some redemption. Sorry about the crappy run and GI distress!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jess. I shortened my long run this weekend too. Only, I was using a HM as part of it and I actually walked right off the course at mile 8. My body was fried after a heavy week with no rest but I could have finished. I mentally collapsed and I most definitely let ME down. I did make some major achievements afterwards though-mostly in regards to how much food I could shove down my piehole-ha ha!
ReplyDeleteRedemption runs ARE the best and I'm out to get one today:)
Love the shorts! I need to get some color in my black black and black with a hint of blue running wardrobe! Have a great week girl:)
so I am slowly coming around to the idea of a training plan...I usually like to make it up as I go but sometimes I think that is because I like to "have a way out" if I don't accomplish exactly what the plan says. I am following more of a plan now than I ever have which has been keeping me accountable for my LRs, midweek runs and ACTUALLY doing speed work. I really am seeing improvement too...so I guess I am "more" of a believer now ;) haha! I really appreciated this post...very honest. But just remember...you pushed through 8 miles under maybe not the best circumstances...this run will make you stronger and will make you push that much harder in the redemption run!!!
ReplyDeleteI CANT BELIEVE I WON!!!!!! SO FREAKING PUMPED!!!! emailing you now! thanks for an awesome giveaway :)
I have trouble committing to fully laid out plans, I have trouble committing to being relaxed about it all. Basically...
ReplyDeleteI'm trouble.
PS!! my favorite nike shorts are ones I found at TJ...love that place!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pedi. I need one myself. I also LOVE TJ Maxx. It's where I find most of my running clothes for a lot less $!
ReplyDeleteI am like you -- I need a plan. But I never have a bad run. I don't know what you are talking about. Yep, can't relate. ;)
Yay congrats Julia!!! :) And YES I am a total plan follower, so as today is day 1 of 1/2 mar training I'm STILL deciding which plan to use ha ha :)
ReplyDeleteI'm actually following a training plan FOR REAL right now for the first time ever. I know it's only working because someone else is holding me accountable. I guess that's what I need.
ReplyDeleteLOVE having rules to follow :) sometimes i'm ok without them, but i just love the satisfaction of crossing a workout off a calendar!
ReplyDeleteI need a plan. always for everything. I am 100% like you. a rule follower. I dont have a coach but if Hal Higdon says 10 miles I will do 10 even If I dont feel like it. I have shorts like those pink ones..I like them. It is funny most of my running shorts are Nike. All same size. Some are way more roomier than others.
ReplyDeletePedi...I need one. I am too ashamed of my toes to go now. Bloody blisters that refuse to heel , blisters over old blosters and 2 nails so bruised that they are not growing anymore..it is not pretty
Oh I forgot..Marjorie is right...the white tank top does the job for you...A+....What? Us girls can say that...the guys well that would be creepy....
ReplyDeleteI make up my own training runs. I'm surprised that I've done as well as I have by not following some famous running program. Perhaps if I did, I would run faster more consistently.
ReplyDeleteAfter a tough run, I tell myself that I'll do better the next run.
I have to admit, I love training plans. Without a plan I go about aimlessly and feel like I don't accomplish much at all. I love having a set # of miles or a set pace and when I accomplish it it feels like a victory!
ReplyDeleteI also love checking things off a to-do list, so this goes hand in hand. :)
I think those are Nike Pacer shorts, right? I love them. For some reason, I hate Tempos and the Pacers are much harder to find. Nice work on the TJ Maxx score!
ReplyDeleteXLMIC is right, I was thinking great boobs in the white tank. I always ponder how rockin' your bod is! and great job getting 8 miles in without a plan, I'm not as good an exerciser or trainee without a set plan :( but you still ran 8. you rock in my opinion!!
ReplyDeleteI like to follow training plans cause I hold myself more accountable for the runs. If I don't get out to do a run when I'm not on a training plan I don't feel as guilty for it.
ReplyDeleteDuring a bad run I try to tell myself to just keep going a few more miles and then I can stop. I usually run an out and back so I have no option but to finish the run or walk the rest of the way (which I have done cause of tummy issues).
I know this is how we learn to be better runners. Not all our runs are amazing, but the ones that aren't we learn from and try to do better next time.
Love the shorts! I have been looking for some new shorts and can't find any that fit the way I like.
- I make my own training plans, with that said, I should get a real coach
ReplyDelete- GI issues always seems to happen during the run, never when I bike or swim
- TJ Maxx, if your their at the right time, its a great place to shop
love those shorts, and TJ Maxx! I'm a semi-plan follower. I usually have a plan, but if I don't hit every run on the plan perfectly I just say 'meh'. I didn't used to be that way though. Plan's are good.
ReplyDeleteDuring a bad run, I sometimes let myself walk a minute to regroup myself, then give myself a little pep talk, and choose a marker to run to, and by then I'm usually okay to keep going. But sometimes a bad run is just a bad run and I'll cut it short and try again. Especially when it's a billion degrees out :)
Great post, I totally agree with having a plan, holds me accountable...but really, I CANNOT stop laughing that you actually typed shart. Fricking funny, dude! XOXO
ReplyDeleteI love having a training plan, but for me, the pure motivation is the registration. Once I have actually paid the fee and clicked to submit, then I'm committed. If I keep talking about an upcoming race but haven't actually registered, my training will suck. In fact, I've been known to register 9-10 months in advance for races for this reason :)
ReplyDeletePS Where did you get those adorable plaid shorts?! I tried to buy shorts the other day and apparently they are all skin tight and wicked short....no bueno
I just tell myself I can do better tomororow!
ReplyDeleteBummer about your run :( damn runners GI issues!!!
ReplyDeleteI think I have those shorts!!! :)