A few of you have mentioned or expressed concern with the lack of rest days since I've incorporated tri training. I've done some research and spoken to a lot of people (and I also know myself and what my body can handle) and I don't think a complete rest day is necessary every week. I take 1-2 days off running and stick to a swim and/or easy bike ride on those days. I am also careful about keeping my recovery runs/rides easy. It works better for me to spread my workouts over 7 days and if I gave myself a day off, I'd be cramming too much into the other days. This works for me for now - as you know, I'm learning! And of course, when I feel that I need a day (or more) of complete rest, I will take it.
Longer Tri
A few people have suggested that I should be aiming for a longer tri given the training I am doing, and even suggested that perhaps I am being sneaky again and planning a "surprise." (Will you ever trust me again?? hehe) I assure you, I am hoping to complete the upcoming give-it-a-tri and sprint tri this season, but that's it for the year. Next year is a whole other story... ;) Of course I have some long term plans and goals in mind, which I will share in due time.
Hamstring
Thanks to everyone who has been asking how my hamstring is. It is tons better now after laying off speed work since the duathlon (which has left me feeling slooooooooooow but that is a whole other story). I am just going to be careful moving forward not to push it too much, but I think I am in the clear.
Rambles...
I have admittedly been struggling with my (run) training this summer. The heat and humidity were killing me in July, and I proceeded to have one issue after the other (infected nail bed, sinus infection, hamstring) which essentially derailed 3 training weeks. I have not been able to find the momentum that I had in my last training cycle; I am running less mileage and slower paces as a result and it has been difficult not to be discouraged. On the bright side, I am really really really enjoying my bike + swim training. I have allowed my focus to shift a little more than anticipated, which is likely contributing to the way I feel about my running right now, and I am okay with that.
I know I'll be able to run a marathon in October, but I also know that it is highly unlikely to be another PR/BQ performance... and I am working on coming to terms with that. I want to make the most of it moving forward - what more can I do? Here's hoping for no more setbacks...
Thanks for reading!
29 comments:
I can't say much to you because it is quite a few days since I have had a complete rest day. But I will have one this Sat. when I watch Nationals! But I plan my training around my life and fit it in where I can. I am only doing the biking and running and that is plenty hard to fit in. But as you say some of the days are very easy.
yup, you're sneaky. I think I've come to expect a surprise or two from you.
Your training is just fine. I know you know your body well enough to know what it can handle. Keep up the awesomesauce!
It is sooo important to remember to keep those light or "off" days easier. My sore thigh will tell you that! But you know I believe in 7 days a week training but as everyone I am still working on the correct intensity level to keep it all in check. I love that you are doing 7 days a week. Some times it really is too hard to fit it all into 5 or 6.
With all your training and base, a few lighter easier running weeks won't derail you!
Fingers crossed for no more set backs for you.
We have had the hot and humid weather this summer too - makes it difficult to get into a good groove with running!
The only thing I can say to this is to be thankful for every day that you can run, whether it be fast or slow.
This summer really has made running rough! I'm sick of the humidity.
Maybe you can try to pace a friend in October? I'm sure you'll find a way to have fun with it!
Marlene, you've been at this game long enough to know your body. Plus, what sounds like a workout to some people isn't necessarily much of one to you. I bike to work every day and while to some that would be a huge workout, honestly I don't consider it much of one. It's just something I do in addition to my workouts.
If you ever decide to tackle Ironman in Penticton, BC let me know and I'll come watch you.
only marlene knows marlene. only marlene (and maybe ur hubby and dr. pain) know how your body functions and what it can and cannot handle.
so if u dont need full rest days, and prefer active rest days, all the best to ya!
keep doing what you are doing. I am just amazed how u fit it all in! hahhaha.
and as for ur pace and running slower, dont worry about it. it will come back to you. right now enjoy the swimming and bike. and everything will merge one day!
I can't run 7 days a week, but I do my best to be active all 7 days. Sounds like you've got a good balance of different sports + easy + hard going on.
Still running the Philly marathon?
I agree that you probably can get away with an easy bike/swim in place of total rest, most weeks. But I will also sound a tiny warning bell (don't kill the messenger!) about the sinus infection/hamstring, etc. Sometimes these are little hints from your body telling you to slow down. Just speaking from experience (the wrong kind!). So just walk the line carefully. Sorry for a mini-lecture!
Even I don't take complete rest days! I do some heavy breathing on my off days! LOL......... You are not WEAK!
You know your body best and I'm sure you're listening to it.
Remember, though, a marathon does put a lot of stress on the body; we may not realize it at the time (my 'Oh yeah' moment came weeks later).
You see...we are all just concerned for you...and nosy apparently. :)
I really enjoyed when I used to swim - just 30 minutes a few times a week so relaxing! I think that you are doing a great job balancing everything!
Glad to hear your hammie is happier. And if you want to talk Slooooooow, please come and pay me a visit...you don't know slow until you take off about 6 months and then the word slow has a true meaning! Bleh!
They say that kids who are raised bilingual speak later but in two languages. I think there's a parallel for tri/running. You're doing three sports! It has to be ok that the running is off a bit because it has to share time and energy. You are rocking it!
You gotta do what's best for you!
Mark this date down-I'm leaving a serious comment (instead of a sarcastic one).
So good that the bike/swim are enjoyable. Those will keep you in shape and obv you are preparing for a Tri. Maybe the running is a little "burnout", so this Tri stuff is good timing for you. I'd definitely consider "just running" the marathon with no pressure, then you can ease up on the training pressure (no guilt for running slower paces) and hopefully avoid further running-blues.
I say this because my running took a huge downward spiral and I've been caught in a running-funk tornado for awhile now. Don't want that to happen to you. So just enjoy the alternate workouts and don't stress the running stats!
like you i rarely take many complete rest days and that's mostly because i feel really sluggish when I do, so i just listen to what my body needs. I think you seem to be feeling great and injury free so it's all good.
i've noticed my running is much harder this summer and i'm oddly enjoying cross training...freaking me out a little :)
you know i hate rest days more than anyone and up until tri training, i'd go weeks and weeks w/o a complete day off. but i'm with miss zippy here...listen to some of the signs you've been having and even the one where you're not feeling all the runs right about now. i agree that an easy bike or swim can feel like recovery, but your muscles are still working.
hey, do as i say, not as i do!! :-)
Hang in there my friend....you are doing great with the cross training...I say do something active everyday!! I am sure you will get your running back where you want it....there are seasons we have to endure.
I am training for a half ironman and I can definitely relate to wanting spread the workouts over 7 days. Of couse I can always take days off...but that would require two-a-days on multiple days of the week! Of course depending on travel, etc. sometimes that still works out, but it adjusts depending on circumstances!
I am training for a half ironman and I can definitely relate to wanting spread the workouts over 7 days. Of couse I can always take days off...but that would require two-a-days on multiple days of the week! Of course depending on travel, etc. sometimes that still works out, but it adjusts depending on circumstances!
HA! It is all good!
While training for the Half Iron, I shouldn't be one to judge!!! If and when I do have a "rest day" it consists of grocery shopping, cleaning the house or just suffering from restless leg syndrome! LOL...
You are doing GREAT!
I think you said it best...you know yourself. And I am glad you are listening to your body and doing what feels right. Sometimes the best rest for me too is to take an "active rest" day. Ride my cruiser bike, do something not so hardcore. But it loosens up the muscles and feels so good. Good luck on your training!!
I know I read your weekly training log and I never put one and one together that you don't take a rest day, and while I understand your points as to why can I suggest that you do. You will not lose fitness with one rest day and that rest day (as you know) is when you will get stronger and faster and not doing more. Try it one week and see how you feel for the next training day.
Two........in this heat and humidity you can assume that you are running at a pace that is 10bpm at a minimum faster than your normal HR. That will essentially slow you down without you even trying to slow down so just accept that and adjust your mind to the fact that you will be faster when cooler temps arise.
Three....with tri training you will be surprised how much better your run is. This is because you are incorporating other muscles that you don't normally use while running. All of this will make your run better when you switch back to run training only.
I dont like rest days. I fall TOTALLY off the bandwagon... then it left me in the dust- i'm two miles behind and i have to catch up.
keep up the great work- YOU ROCK
you keep doing what you are doing! you obviously know what you are doing! I'm willing to bet you will do better in october than you anticipate. You are a powerhouse.
I'm so glad your hammy is feeling better. Obviously your training is going well and you're adapting to the additional training like a champ. Just keep listening to your body like you've been doing. I think you will surprise yourself in October. :)
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