*Sidenote: When looking up my last training recap, I stumbled upon my BQ x 2 post and it gave me goosebumps! How I wish we could relive that day!
Anyway... the heat and humidity really take a toll on me (and most of us, I'm sure) and I need to remind myself constantly that it's okay to be slower in the summer; in fact, it should be expected!
Even though I know that, it's still demoralizing to feel like I'm fumbling my way through runs, holding on for dear life and still not getting close to the paces I would like to be seeing. Does anyone else feel like this in the summer? I remember struggling the same way last year when everything was suddenly so much harder with the onslaught of summer weather.
WELL Mother Nature finally had a treat for me this morning and I woke up to a nice, cool(ish) morning - 20C/68F and NO HUMIDITY. What a breath of fresh air. Lucky for me, I had a speed workout on deck; excellent timing!
The goal: 5 x 1000 at ~4:20
The results: 4:20 - 4:19 - 4:18 - 4:18 - 4:15
YES!
I had quite a bit more distance to cover in my cool-down, so I decided to make it interesting and see if my legs were up for some MRP (~5:00/KM).
5:02 - 5:01 - [500 recovery] - 5:00 - 4:59 - [500 recovery] - 4:55
YES!
It was just the run I needed to get some of my confidence back and stop whining about summer - even if it was just for one morning. ;) If only every day could bring cool mornings...
Of course, I know it will be short-lived, but I sure enjoyed it. I'm aching for fall!
34 comments:
Lucky you! A break in the heat is a treat. I feel the same way about summer running.
We are having the perfect summer for running in BC. Cool, drizzly, and not a day over 25 so far. Great for running, absolutely craptacular for anything else. Mother Nature can't win!
Same here...most runs are pretty tough because of the heat...no matter WHAT time of day I run. BUT, we suffer through! :) Also remember that you are adding in biking and swimming to your routine....your body is working overtime! Feel good!
Heat and humidity make an incredible amount of difference. Your heart has to work so much harder just to try to keep your body cool. It's nice that you got a bit of a reprieve and could enjoy your run.
Isn't this cooler weather great!!
Ugh! We set records here in Arkansas with the high at 113! And the humidity is unbearable! I CAN'T WAIT for to start running in cooler temperature!
The heat is really starting to take its toll. Mostly for me its the humidity! When your long runs take 3 hours and you have to get up at 4am just to beat the heat, it just becomes a little taxing. Keep your chin up... Cooler days are coming all too soon!
68 degrees IS fall weather...
don't wish the summer away. didn't you learn that lesson? don't wish your life away? gah. i <3 summer.
Yeah, that heat and humidity can be difficult. Glad to hear you had a good run!
way to GO :)
Yessss. Love that feeling :) Soak it up and carry it with you next time!
So jealous. The "feels like" of a 112 didn't motivate me to run today...
Great workout! And I am with you -so ready for fall! I have been so grumpy about the heat!
Nice! Any time there is a bit of break in the humid weather I am taking advantage of it.
...but I am not wishing for winter....period...
The cooler temps have been great but sadly I have not taken advantage of them! great job on your workout!
There must be some Krytonite around that is zapping your strength SuperGirl! HA
it has been crazy weather and maybe with the added cycling and swimming it is fatiguing you a little more than you care to admit. Cut yourself some slack, over training is one's worst enemy.
(hint, if you're adding the extra elements, you don't have to pound out extra mileage running).
ps, me again....take a good hard look at your sidebar, even racehorses take time off!
Pace yourself (ya, I know, I sound like an old lady ~ hey, I am!)
Take it easy and just relax about this. Don't push yourself harder. You are doing so well. Once the heat is over you will be better and faster than before.
Marlene, great pic!!! Summer can really wear us down but man when fall rolls around we are like Superman/woman! Enjoy!!!
you've been putting in a lot of training hours, could that be affecting your runs, too?
that little break of cooler weather was so nice, and so needed!!
I certainly haven't felt like that THIS summer, it's been much to cool to cause any issues. I'm betting you'll reap the benefits of these tough runs when the cooler weather comes.
it's definitely okay to be slower in the summer! haven't you seen that chart that tells you just how much slower you should be? it's a lot! keep at it. you're still a rock star runner!
i feel your pain. the heat and humidity is kicking my ass, it just isn't letting up down here. but i remind myself of the same thing, the payoff will come when it cools down. that's my mantra. but yay for getting some cooler temps up there, awesome!
I am physically unable to look at a photo with your awesome smile and not smile back.
Freaking love it.
I feel you sister. I never run as well in the summer and no matter how many times I tell myself that it is expected to be very slow this time of year I still don't accept it.
Congrats on the great run. That is awesome.
AWESOME! YAY yay yay!!! That weather sounds heavenly. And confidence boosting runs are such a good feeling!
Can't we keep summer around just a little longer so - knowing it makes us slower - just so we don't have to endure that stupid snow?!?!? UGH, the thought makes me cringe. And we don't even live in snow like you! Ha. Nice job nailing that run, girl...see, summer isn't ALL bad! :)
u r doing a great job!
and its hard to appreciate those hard earned workouts when you have already accomplished them. but stay strong and u will love it again!
happy almost weekend!
great run!
Good work!! I posted about my CRAPTASTIC Run yesterday and how I made it better.
Fall will be nice but then there is WINTER.. UGH!!
Miss you!!
Girl - I am a SUN HATER right now. My running pace is at an all time slow but coach keeps telling me to hang in there. Doing the swim/bike/run at any level put a good load on your legs.
You are getting stronger and you don't even know it ;)
All those tough summer runs you've been enduring mean that you'll have some fast race times this fall. We've been enjoying a much-needed break in the heat here, too. :)
I hear ya on the summer runs! Though as soon as it gets cold I'm going to start whining too. Teehee! Glad you were able to have a good run though! :)
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