2 Mile Warm up + 1 mile @ 5:15 with 2 minute rest between hit 5:30 -5:45 (way off, keep in mind I need to hold 5:15 for 26.2 by race day to have a chance)
12 miles with middle 7 at 5:20 pace total shitshow, started out at 5:50 and only got slower until at mile 5 I switched to 800 on @ 5:45 and 800 off.
and on, and on, and on it goes this this…..
“I Struggle With Forward Motion”
This time of year is always frustrating. I don’t make New Years resolutions, but I am always trying to work on myself in some way or another. Even without a resolution, the New Year somehow still seems to amplify how little progress or forward motion I make. December was great for many reasons. I was able to see most of my family, and really spend good time with them. I was able to back off of work a bit, and even see a few friends I haven’t seen in a long time. But, in terms of personal goals, and training I have been on the struggle bus.
I made an epic attempt to quit caffeine (more on than another time) and cut it out for 10 days with some epic headaches and other issues. But caffeine is a crutch for me in many ways, and a lot of the stressors that make me pull out a Five Hour Energy came on strong. So now I am drinking some caffeine, but at a much reduced quantity than I have for the past 15 years. I have goals, but I am not making them reality.
“Cause forward motion is harder than it sounds”
The past month or so has been defined by frustrating training. My training has been more consistent than it has in several months. I have had more time to train, and less work to give me excuses to take a day off. Still, I have not been able to hit training goals with any consistency. Workout after workout I have missed on obtainable training times. My legs have less miles on them during this training cycle than many previous ones, but I feel achy and sluggish. Beyond that, I feel lazy because I am doing about 20% less training than I am used to.
“Every time I gain some ground, I’ve got to turn myself around again….”
The times not coming down could have many influencers. I am training mostly on gravel roads which could effect some of my pace. My strength might not be where it needs to be and that takes time. The weather has been off and on horrendous with spells of extremely cold, snow and wind. My asthma sucks in the wind, and trying to run fast in wind and lots of gear is a struggle. Quitting caffeine, has affected my diet, my mood, my energy levels and more. Plus there are thousand other potential factors. Also, I tend to never be able to hit times in training that translate to my speed in racing. I don’t know what causes that, but it has always been the case. It makes me look and feel lazy and weak when I see guys my pace or slower, crushing workout times I can’t find.
Knowing all of this, and knowing that I am putting in the work doesn’t seem to be enough to give me poise. At the heart of it, I am not a confident man. I can line up with 10 other runners any day of the week and talk myself into thinking I will get 11th place every time. Training less, and running slower does not help that situation. We are being cautious, and that makes sense. I don’t need to hit 2:18 in early March, there are still plenty of opportunities over the next several months to hit my goals. Caution and sustained, healthy running are usually the cure for running slow. Again, that doesn’t help with confidence. Right now I would kill for a few 100+ mile weeks and weekly 20+ milers to prove to myself I am on the right track.
This weekend could offer some room for optimism. The Frosty 25K is a training race on well-groomed gravel roads. The route is somewhat hilly but definitely fast. ( I love when people call this a trail race) I will be in good company will multiple people as fast and faster than me to help share the work, and push the pace. 3 years ago before the Houston Marathon, I managed 5:36 paces at this event running it solo. I am not in that shape in terms of endurance yet, but I should be able to go quicker for 25K. While the goal is still 5:20 paces, anything under 5:35 will put me in a good position and will be considered a win.
“Whoa oh, I’ve been banging my head against the wall for so long it seems I knocked it down.
Yeah, I got knocked out cold
Cause’ I struggle with forward motion, I struggle with Forward Motion
Cause Forward Motion is harder than it sounds
Every time I gain some ground I’ve got to turn myself around again.”
This time of year is always frustrating. I don’t make New Years resolutions, but I am always trying to work on myself in some way or another. Even without a resolution, the New Year somehow still seems to amplify how little progress or forward motion I make. December was great for many reasons. I was able to see most of my family, and really spend good time with them. I was able to back off of work a bit, and even see a few friends I haven’t seen in a long time. But, in terms of personal goals, and training I have been on the struggle bus.
I made an epic attempt to quick caffeine (more on than another time) and cut it out for 10 days with some epic headaches and other issues. But caffeine is a crutch for me in many ways, and a lot of the stressors that make me pull out a Five Hour Energy came on strong. So now I am drinking some caffeine, but at a much reduced quantity than I have for the past 15 years.
“Cause forward motion is harder than it sounds”
The past month or so has been defined by frustrating training. My training has been more consistent than it has in several months. I have had more time to train, and less work to give me excuses to take a day off. Still, I have not been able to hit training goals with any consistency. Workout after workout I have missed on obtainable training times. My legs have less miles on them during this training cycle than many previous ones, but I feel achy and sluggish. I feel lazy because I am doing about 20% less training than I am used to.
“Every time I gain some ground I’ve got to turn myself around again….”
The times not coming down could have many influencers. I am training mostly on gravel roads which could effect some of my pace. My strength might not be where it needs to be and that takes time. The weather has been off and on horrendous with spells of extremely cold, snow and wind. My asthma sucks in the wind, and trying to run fast in wind and lots of gear is a struggle. Quitting caffeine, has affected my diet, my mood, my energy levels and more. Plus there are thousand other potential factors. Also, I tend to never be able to hit times in training that translate to my speed in racing. I don’t know what causes that, but it has always been the case. It makes me look and feel lazy and weak when I see guys my pace or slower, crushing workout times I can’t find.
Knowing all of this, and knowing that I am putting in the work doesn’t seem to be enough to give me poise. At the heart of it, I am not a confident man. I can line up with 10 other runners any day of the week and talk myself into thinking I will get 11th place every time. Training less, and running slower does not help that situation. We are being cautious, and that makes sense. I don’t need to hit 2:18 in early March, there are still plenty of opportunities over the next several months to hit my goals. Caution and sustained, healthy running are usually the cure for running slow. Again, that doesn’t help with confidence. Right now I would kill for a few 100+ mile weeks and weekly 20+ milers to prove to myself I am on the right track.
This weekend could offer some room for optimism. The Frosty 25K is a training race on well-groomed gravel roads. The route is somewhat hilly but definitely fast. ( I love when people call this a trail race) I will be in good company will multiple people as fast and faster than me to help share the work, and push the pace. 3 years ago before the Houston Marathon, I managed 5:36 paces at this event running it solo. I am not in that shape in terms of endurance yet, but I should be able to go quicker for 25K. While the goal is still 5:20 paces, anything under 5:35 will put me in a good position and will be considered a win.
“Whoa oh, I’ve been banging my head against the wall for so long it seems I knocked it down.
Yeah, I got knocked out cold
Cause’ I struggle with forward motion, I struggle with Forward Motion
Cause Forward Motion is harder than it sounds
Every time I gain some ground I’ve got to turn myself around again.”