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horrible long run, need encouragement
I have mentioned before that I am mostly a new running. I started running in Feb of last year when I signed up for a 5K and it was the first time I ran unless I was being chased. In that year, I have since done multiple 5 and 10Ks, a half, and I am in training for another half now. I have shaved a lot of time off my pace in the last year and I am pretty proud of myself. For my half in just over a month I am hoping to shave over 10 minutes off my time. Now I am questioning if I can do that...
On Saturday I was out for my long run. I was supposed to do 11 miles. It was hard. Really hard. I was exhausted from mile 2, my legs felt like lead, my lungs were not cooperating. I had to stop and walk 6 times in 7 miles. I was so mad at myself but I kept going. Until mile 7, when some woman PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED ME to tell me my running form was all off. She told me I needed to get a running coach because my gait was horrible and if I cared about my body I should do that. I understand she was trying to be helpful, but it was SO discouraging and rude (I thought). I started crying as soon as she pulled away and turned around and ran home, completing 9 miles.
Can someone else join my pity party and make me feel a bit better?
Re: horrible long run, need encouragement
What a biznatch! Who does that to someone?
My long run was also all sorts of bad yesterday.
Running is hard.
Even runners who have been running their whole lives still find it hard.
Just keep getting out there, keep going.
For me instead of setting my sites on lofty running goals I am trying to look at the small changes in my running. For example, last year at this time I was running maybe 1 or 2 times a week. Now I'm running three, which include a tempo run and a track workout. Still running, just doing a few different things.
If running was easy, everyone would do it!
2012 Goal: working towards pre-pregnancy speed!
04/15 KI Metric Marathon/16.3 m (2:05:55, 7:43 pace)
05/06 Frederick 13.1 (1:41:09)
11/04 NYCM
omg, wtf was that woman thinking?!?! I'm sure it was from a place of niceness, but SERIOUSLY???
I'm sorry that happened to you. I had a crappy 20-miler - my only one before my first marathon. So...yeah. I'm a little worried about the marathon. But one crappy run does not a training cycle make! You'll be fine. Screw her.
Yes,I'm smiling...I'm a marathoner!
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5K-22:49 10K-47:38 Half Mary-1:51:50
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1/1-New Year's 5K-22:11
2/11-Sweetheart Classic 4-mile-29:49
3/24-Coulee Chase 5K-21:40
5/6-Colorado Marathon-4:08:30
5/28-Bolder Boulder 10K
Oh gosh, I can't believe that!
1. We all have bad days. There are days I have to force out every single step from the beginning to the end. These days suck and they are mentally taxing. Shake it off. It's just one run.
2. It's possible you were having such a bad running day that your gait was off. When things just don't work right, we just slack.
3. I've been told that nobody has perfect form and we all run differently. There are ways to make our form better but ultimately no body has a perfect running form.
As for your time, train hard. Work hard. Set a reasonable goal and then be thrilled that you not only reached it but maybe even beat it when you run your race! You have lots of time left to run and improve. Work gradually towards it so you can enjoy yourself along the way.
I can't believe she did that!
Everyone has bad days, even bad weeks during running. I know it's hard, but try not to let it mess with you too much.
GO! St. Louis Half Marathon-2:32:13
Omaha Half Marathon 9.23.12
This. Two weeks ago, I had an amazing week & loved all the runs. This last week? Everything but Saturday sucked donkey balls. My run yesterday? I had to bribe myself to finish. And, I know my form goes drastically downhill when I'm stiff/sore/in pain from a tight muscle, etc. I think that happens to everyone.
If you're worried about it, ask a friend who's a super experienced runner to go with you & give you tips. But don't worry about the bad runs. We've *all* been there. :-)
Everyone has bad runs, just let every skier occasionally falls down. Don't stress about it.
The form comment is odd. While you can do things to make yourself a more efficient runner (I used to waste a bunch of energy bouncing up and down as I ran - talk about weird form!), ultimately, no one has a "perfect" stride. If it was possible to perfect your form, there wouldn't be such a market for shoes for under- and over-pronators.
Unless she was actually a running coach and knew what she was talking about (and I'm assuming she didn't because she didn't offer HER services), she should've kept her mouth shut.
I've watched more people with "weird gaits" pass me and cruise along to awesome running times, so she can stuff it.
Honestly, I think there are days that we're just not meant to run. Yes, mentally we're supposed to push through the "hard times" but sometimes its just best to shelve it and understand that there are days when it's just not meant to happen. And then lace up another day and try it again. THAT is what makes you strong. Not banging out PR after PR, but listening to your body and pulling back when it needs it.
/rant & rave
In my experience when you have runs where your legs feel like lead from the start, it's an isolated event and no matter what you do, it's going to be a bad run. Try not to let it bother you too much, we all have runs like that.
In regards to the woman, WTF, who does that?! I will 100% never, ever have a "normal" gait. I can't help it. My left foot is slightly pigeon toed. It has been since I was a child and it gives a silly little twist to my form. I'm self conscious of it, because I know that when someone is running behind me I look silly. However, it's normal for my body. It's not something that needs to be fixed. It's doesn't cause injuries and I'm getting faster and faster. If someone pulled over and pointed it out to me, I'd want to punch them. I'm sorry.
What a b@#@$ch, I am sure she meant well, but that was just mean! Some days running just sucks.
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2011-2012 Races
10/29/11 LA RockNRoll Min Half (5K) 42:58
12/4/11 Vegas RockNRoll Half 3:14:53
1/7/12 WDW Half 3:13:42
1/15/12 RnR AZ 2:55:27 (PR!!)
1/29/12 Tinkerbell 1/2 3:22:37 (To many picture stops!lol)
Me:32 DH:33
IFV w/ DE Only Option (On Hold For Now)
That lady was clearly a b$tch. How rude.
I totally feel you on your post though. I have my first 1/2 in <2 weeks and I went out on Friday to do my 12 miler. It was awful. I had a stomach cramp during the first 5 miles and then in the second half I just felt off. My legs were tired and I just couldnt push. I walked multiple times. Very frustrating. Makes me doubt if I can handle the 1/2 but too late now...I've already registered. I hope my 10miler later this week goes better.
Good luck on your run today! I bet it is a great one!!
Are you freaking serious?? Some chic seriously pulled over and said that to you? What a ***. I'm sorry, but seriously.
I am learning right now in my training, after a multitude of setbacks, that it's all about not having expectations placed upon yourself in day to day running. Everyone has bad runs now and then. I wouldn't fret over 1 bad day; even though I know it's way easier said than done. Been there done that. We have bad days every once in a while in life, training-wise it's no different.
You have already accomplished SO much and have a lot to be proud of. Pick yourself up, realize what you have accomplished and go out there on your next run forgetting this last one and look forward to better days. It's all part of the process.
And forget that chic. What a moron.
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