Happy Sunday! I have to be honest – I feel like a fraud doing a weekly recap this week. This week was pretty bad and my long run on Saturday made this week feel 10x worse. But we all know training isn’t all sunshine and unicorns. There will be bad weeks and good weeks, and this week was definitely a bad week! Here’s my rundown of week 10 of training for the Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon.
Monday 5/1
4 mile treadmill run. This was a pretty good run and I appreciated my ridiculous hairstyle after the run.
Tuesday 5/2
My first Pilates class. Not gonna lie, this was pretty tough but it got easier as the class went on. I can definitely see how Pilates is great for toning.
Wednesday 5/3 and Thursday 5/4
These were rest days. I had after work events to attend on both days. On Wednesday I got home at 8:00pm and on Thursday I got home at 9:00pm. Needless to say there was no way I was getting in a workout at that hour, and I currently cannot work out before work since my allergies are so bad in the mornings (literally takes me 2 hours to breathe properly).
Friday 5/5
Cinco de Mayo! No, I didn’t celebrate, but I did run a mile and did a little Yoga.
Saturday 5/6
I was really hoping for a great long run because I had a few rest days and I cut Friday’s run short by a few miles (it should have been a 4 mile run). I honestly don’t even know how to describe this run. Everything just felt off from the beginning. My breathing was all over the place and my legs just felt horrible. I’ve run on dead legs before and this was worse. I felt like I was exerting all this energy and nothing was happening. My pace was about a 30 seconds to a minute slower per mile and I was exhausted. Sure it was humid (95% humidity), but the weather was actually pretty nice (overcast with a breeze), so I cannot say that weather was a factor. I was running with my handheld filled with water and a Nuun tablet and I had gels with me for fuel/energy. I literally had to stop after every mile just to get myself together. I wanted to quit at mile 6, so I’m glad that I completed the entire 12 miles, but it was beyond a struggle.
When I got home I took an epsom salt bath hoping it would help, but it didn’t. I felt totally off all day yesterday. I barely moved from my couch/bed except to get water and use the bathroom. I was exhausted and felt like I was hit by a truck. I just really don’t get it. I’m not sick or just coming off a cold. I’ve done 20 miles runs and a marathon and never felt as bad as I did yesterday. Does anyone have any idea on what might have been the issue yesterday? I’m at a loss and would appreciate any ideas or feedback!
Sunday 5/7
Woke up and my body still felt like crap so I took yet another rest day. I love my Sunday workout because I usually get in two classes. I was bummed to miss today, but I’m trying to be smart and listen to my body.
Total Weekly Miles – 17
Total Training Cycle Miles – 162.2
Grade – C
Yup, this week sucked π I only worked out 3 days this week. I usually work out 6 days a week so this was really odd for me. I’ve now had two horrible long runs in a row. My confidence about this half marathon is pretty low at this point. I have a 8-mile long run scheduled for Saturday and I pray that it goes better. Training was going great and now it seems to be going downhill for reasons unknown.
In an effort to shake off this week’s bad vibes I spent today doing some spring cleaning and laundry. I just needed to get my mind off of training. I’m determined to start off next week with a positive attitude and try to get my mojo back. I actually just signed up for a barre class tomorrow so I can start off the week on a positive note! I would be lying if I said I’m not worried about the race, but I also know that I can’t dwell on one bad week of training.
On a more positive note, on Friday I kicked off my fundraiser giveaway for Hope in Motion. Make sure you check it out – I have some great prizes!
Have you ever had a bad run/week? How do you bounce back?
Iβm linking up with Holly and Tricia for their Weekly Wrap, the Jessβs, (Jess Runs Atlanta and Jess @ The Right Fits) for their training recaps and Courtney for her Training Recap Link Up!
Laura says
I’ve definitely had weeks like that, and they are always so frustrating! But know that it’s normal and usually means a better week is around the corner. You did the right thing by listening to your body.
As for the off day/weekend, maybe your body was fighting off getting sick? I also find the first few humid days are really tough until my body acclimates better.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Laura. This week of training definitely tested me and I really hope this new week will be much better!
It has been very humid on my long run days the past two weeks. I guess that could be a possibility. I’ve just never felt so crappy during a run, it almost broke me, almost!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Sorry you had such a rough week. Do you think your allergies had anything to do with it? I know sometimes when mine get really bad I really struggle. I hope this week is a better one for you!
kookyrunner says
Possibly – My allergies were bad in the beginning of the week but they got better on Thursday/Friday.
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
It sounds like you absolutely did the right thing by taking it easy. Sometimes the body just rebels and needs a few unplanned recovery days. I hope tomorrow is a new day and your legs are feeling back to normal. The good news is that your hard work is behind you and even if you hadn’t planned to taper this soon, starting a week early shouldn’t hurt since you had a good base. I’m sending good vibes your way!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Deb! I guess my body just really hated me last week π But I hope I bounce back this week.
Kimberly Hatting says
Is it possible you could be over-training? The fatigue and frustration kind of point in that direction…(?) I bet your 8-miler will be the turning point you need to de-funk. Usually when people are exhausted and are having trouble hitting their paces, etc., it’s a sign that their body needs some R&R. You’ve had a great training cycle up until recently…I doubt these recent “bad” runs will impact your race day. Stay positive and focus on all the good that has come out of your training π
kookyrunner says
It’s weird – I never felt this bad when I was training for the marathon, so I never thought that over-training could be the issue, but it might be!I am hoping for a good run on Saturday and a great race. Hopefully I can o a complete turnaround this week and forget about the sh*tshow of training week #10!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
You know I couldn’t even begin to tell you what happened this week. My weeks are so up and down right now! My goal is to just stay focused and do what I can. You’ll be fine on race day!
kookyrunner says
I know what you mean Wendy. I was so happy for you this weekend when you said that you had a good race – you totally deserve it!!
Coco says
I think bad runs just happen sometimes. It could be the weather. It could be allergies or fighting off a virus. It could be the starts aligned against you! My friend calls them “character building runs.” I just say they help you appreciate the next good run – hope it happens soon!
kookyrunner says
Oh it was definitely a “character building” run. I don’t think I’ve dropped so many curse words during a run, lol.
Jessie says
Maybe it was the humidity or allergies- have you ever had your iron tested? Low iron is a common problem for female runners. Hoping next week you feel a lot better!!!
Thanks for linking up with Jess and me π
kookyrunner says
Thanks for hosting the link up with Jess each week!
The humidity wasn’t as bad as last week and my allergies didn’t seem bad so I’m really not sure what it could be. Maybe a culmination of those things and something else. Hopefully it was just a fluke (fingers crossed)!
Sherry says
Sorry to hear about your bad week! Hope things are better this week! Not sure what it could be. There will always be bad days so just focus on the next week and think positive.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Sherry. I’m focusing on staying positive this week π
RenΓ©e says
Oh Kim π I’m sorry you had such a bad week. I do know that feeling. I have definitely had those weeks before. I am not sure what it could be except maybe you just are too tired. If you are training, having work things, and your allergies have kicked in, it’s no wonder that you are just exhausted. your body is asking for rest it would seem. Are you getting enough sleep as well?
I really hope this new week is better. Don’t be too upset with yourself, it happens!! x
kookyrunner says
I’m trying to give myself grace and go into this week with a positive mindset. I really do hope that it was just a fluke and will not happen again!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Some weeks the harder runs and bike rides really throw me for a loop and exhaust me. I think it’s a sign you need an extra rest day. The epsom salt baths definitely help. Have a great week
kookyrunner says
I haven’t been taking as many epsom salt or ice baths this training cycle so I think my muscles may have been very fatigued. I hope that whatever it was is over now!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I’m sorry to hear you had a rough week, but 3 days of workouts are still great! That 12 miler was definitely a character building run…great job toughing it out despite it being so difficult. I’ve definitely had runs that are just miserable, seemingly for no reason. My first thought was similar to Kimberly’s – maybe your fatigue could be attributed to your workout load – I know that when I start adding in new classes it takes me a bit for my body to adjust in training! But please don’t worry, you’re going to have a great half marathon!!
kookyrunner says
Thanks for the encouragement Janelle – I really need to hear that today! I did try new classes during this training cycle so I do think that could have added to my fatigue for sure. I guess I was just so surprised because my run was just so miserable. My mind was telling my legs to move and they just wouldn’t listen! I woke up this morning with a totally positive mindset and I’m convinced that I will have a great week!
Ivanna says
I find when I back off a bit even when training I can come back a lot stronger. You are doing great, my hair ends up the same way BTW.
kookyrunner says
The runs get shorter this week and next week so I hope that the cutback in miles will help as well. It’s so crazy because I killed my peak week and hit all my runs and workouts and then late week was horrible, lol
Glad to know I’m not the only one that rocks the topknot hairstyle π
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Bad weeks happen. You pushed and got the run in and maybe your body just needs a little rest. The good thing is that runs like this are what help you really appreciate the great runs, which I know you’ll have again soon! xoxo
kookyrunner says
Thanks Nicole. You are so right, I will really appreciate the good runs, the next time I have one.
courtney @ eat pray run dc says
I agree with everyone else – your body could be fighting off a virus or it just could’ve been one of those days. The most important thing – it’s done. The week (and the bad long run) are done. I’ve learned to reframe my thoughts in terms of training – for hard workouts (or just bad days) good = DONE. Give yourself some grace. Your training has been great – your body is ready – just focus on getting your mind right! π
kookyrunner says
Thanks Courtney! I know exactly what you mean about reframing your thoughts. I woke up this morning and told myself to put last week behind me and move on from the poor training week. I’m determined to have a positive week of training and runs.
I have A LOT of work to do on my mental strength, especially when it comes to running!
Marcia says
Sorry this week was a struggle. I’ve been there and it’s not fun. Those kind of runs can shake one’s confidence for sure. Maybe you were fighting off a bug, who knows. You’re wise to listen to your body and do what you can. I think you have enough “hay in the barn” for race day!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Marcia. You are so right, my confidence was pretty much non-existent over the weekend. But I do feel better today and I had a great Barre class so I hope this is a sign of good things to come.
Annmarie says
So sorry to hear that you didn’t feel too hot on your long run. Maybe you are getting sick? I hope not but it seems that everyone around where I live is battling massive allergy attacks or has some form of the bug π Hope you feel better soon!
kookyrunner says
My allergies have been horrible this season so maybe it just all finally caught up to me – who knows! I had a great Barre workout this evening so I am going to keep positive this week and hope for a good long run on Saturday morning.
I hope that you are feeling better – I know last week was a rough one for you π
Mary Beth Jackson says
Don’t let one bad week throw off your mojo! Follow your instincts and take the extra rest days you need. I bet half marathon day will still be great!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Mary Beth! I had a good Barre workout today so I’m just going to stay in a positive headspace for the rest of the week!
Rachel says
Ok so here’s the deal… I’ve actually felt horrible since last Wednesday. I felt like I was hit by a truck, too. No energy. Major fatigue. Just not good. I *finally* ended up getting a head cold on Sunday evening. So I’m pretty sure I was unwell for four days before I actually got sick. Maybe you have something similar going on. I hope not, but you never know.
Hope you’re feeling better soon, regardless of what it is!!
kookyrunner says
Hmm, now this makes me wonder if I might be coming down with something! I feel fine today and I have more energy, so who knows?! I hope that you start to feel better soon – I know head colds are no fun π
Jennifer @ Run Jenny Run says
Sorry to hear you had a rough week. I really like your top knot from earlier in the week!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Jenny – it seems to be the hairstyle that is working the best for my runs, lol
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I’m sorry to hear that you had a rough week of training. Hopefully the time between now and race day will be much easier on you, and you’ll be ready to conquer that race!
kookyrunner says
Thanks! That’s what I’m hoping for π Hopefully race day will be good.
Zenaida Arroyo says
Don’t be so hard on yourself. We all have those days/weeks in which we have bad runs. You’ve done a great job in this training cycle so try to remember those great runs. Sending you hugs and lots of positive thinking your way!!!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Zenaida! I had a great Barre workout yesterday so I’m choosing to have nothing but positive workouts this week and putting that bad week of training behind me.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
I’m sorry you had such a tough week. Sound slike Saturday was just one of those really crappy runs that happen every once in a while. I wouldn’t stress about it – your training’s been going really well. Hope you’re feeling better soon!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Michelle! I’m feeling better today and trying to block that bad run out of my mind!
HoHo Runs says
Horrible training runs make for great race days! I suffer from “low energy” days that have no rhyme or reason. Just listen to your body and give it the rest it deserves. You’ve been working hard! Thanks for linking, Kim.
kookyrunner says
Yeah maybe it was just a “low energy” day?! I guess I was just freaking out because I had never experienced that before, but now I’m just hoping it was a fluke and I’ll move on!
Anna @ Pipers Run says
Sorry you had such a bad week. How is your nutrition? And sleep leading up to your log run? Sleep is the hardest part for me when training which usually means I get sick after so much lack of sleep.
kookyrunner says
My sleep and nutrition have been okay, but there’s always room for improvement when it comes to nurition lol! I think I may have been dehydrated so I’m making sure to drink more water this week.
Shathiso says
So sorry to hear this Kim. But I am so glad you posted it because there will be many beginner runners reading this who are relieved (for lack of a better word) to see that it is okay/normal to have not-so-nice weeks. In my little experience, some runs are just rubbish – the body protesting for no apparent reason. So don’t let this get you down at all. You may find this week is so much better and your next long run really strong. I am so glad you started pilates. I started in Jan – the first 2 – 3 classes were not the nicest as there were so many things to get used to (especially with the coordination and breathing) but now it truly is one of my favourite forms of exercise and I hate missing a class.
kookyrunner says
Thank you Shathiso – I hope that you’re right and that it can help other runners. I do hope that this week will be a lot better π
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin says
My trainer teaches a pilates class and I’ve never been. She only teaches it during the day while Im at work but she talks about how it’s so good for toning!
Cinco de mayo came and went around my house too.
I totally get some weeks just suck and if you are not careful it will snowball right into the next week. Positive attitude girly. Hoping this week is much better for you!
Thanks for joining in the Weekly Wrap!
kookyrunner says
Pilates class was awesome. I’m not sure if I will do it every week, but it’s definitely a good workout. I am putting last week’s events behind me and moving on – nothing but positive workouts ahead!
Tracy says
Ugh I hear you, I never want to write recaps of bad weeks! But everyone knows they happen, and I do believe in sharing both the good AND the bad so props to you for putting it out there even if it wasn’t your best week. My long runs tend to go pretty horribly near the end of my training cycle, but sometimes those bad last few runs lead to great race days, so I’ve learned to kind of just expect the bad ones and hope it means a good race is on the way!
kookyrunner says
It’s just no fun writing about bad weeks, but we all them so I have no problem being honest! I think that the bad ones will hopefully equal a great race day run like you said (fingers crossed!)
Jess @ Jess Runs ATL says
So sorry you had a bad week (and also sorry I am late commenting…haha). Two things to maybe start tracking: food (this one is an obvious one) but also where you are in you menstrual cycle. There are a few days a month where my runs just SUCK and it’s usually about 4-6 days out from my period. I track my resting heart rate as well and my RHR is usually elevated those days. If you don’t track your RHR, it’s a great measure as to how fatigued your body is and can help you figure out how hard to push a workout. I’m sure you’ll be feeling better soon π
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much for the good ideas Jess! I’m going to start tracking my food because I have a feeling that I’m not getting enough protein. I have noticed that my energy drops a good amount when I’m on my cycle. I am going to start running with my heart rate monitor again – thanks for the reminder about resting hear rate!