Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Tired

I'm in my final week of big training, following two weeks with mileage PRs, serious workouts and even races. There's no doubt that I'm tired at this point, but in a way I feel like it's a reward for all the hard work. I'm getting the results I want and with each tough workout that I push through, I can feel myself getting closer to that finish line.

And it's not only the training - it sometimes feels like all I do is eat, sleep, work, run, repeat. While I love running and everything that goes along with it, it can get exhausting. Staying on top of the nutrition, keeping up with the laundry, updating training logs and communicating with my pseudo-coaches... I love all of these things (except maybe the laundry), but it's tiring.

But don't you worry, I realize there's a bit more work to be done and I know I can do it. I still have to finish off this last big week, and then two weeks of taper in which I will be slacking off much less than I have in the past. We're into the home stretch, but we're not quite there yet.

Speaking of tiring... yesterday I had a double workout for "Twosday". And not just any double, but two of the same workout. At first I worried it might be a little boring - silly me, I should know by now that hubs' workouts are anything but boring!

AM: 12K with 10K [faster than] MRP
PM: 12K with 10K [faster than] MRP

I was up at 4:30 for the first run and it was a mild but rainy morning. I had a hard time forcing myself out the door, but it was pretty nice once I got going - except for the puddles and snails everywhere (which I could not see in the dark). *splash* *crunch*

My legs always feel heavy and slow at that hour and it took a long time to get going. The warm-up was extremely slow, which is fine, but my legs would not wake-up until about half way through the workout portion. Normally on these MRP workouts I find my pace slipping into the "too fast" zone when I don't pay attention and I have to reel it in; this time it would creep slower and slower and I had to focus on keeping the pace and momentum. I had to work for it; this is the kind of experience I need for race day, right?

Goal: 5:00-5:10/KM (MRP is 5:13)

5:07 - 5:08 - 5:07 - 5:07 - 5:07
5:05 - 5:05 - 5:04 - 5:03 - 5:01
avg: 5:04/KM (8:09/mi)

After work I was having some deja vu as I headed out to repeat the workout. This time hubs joined me for the first half as he wrapped up his miles for the day. I felt extremely sluggish starting out, but settled into the pace a little more easily this time.

5:06 - 5:05 - 5:09 - 5:04 - 5:01
5:02 - 5:00 - 5:01 - 5:00 - 4:56
avg: 5:02/KM (8:06/mi)

If there's one thing I am getting a good handle on, it's pushing that [faster than] MRP when tired... and I can't think of a better way to prepare for a marathon.

So the moral of the story is: I'm tired, but that's okay!

36 comments:

Running Ricig said...

I've been getting tired lately too and I'm not racing nearly as much as you are! Maybe it's the changing seasons (or just truckloads of laundry).

Richelle said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Richelle said...

I often get tired of training before a big race, but the thought of completing the race and doing my best (and hopefully getting a PR!) definitely makes the training worth it! You are almost there! Mississauga will be worth it!

Anonymous said...

uve had a few really hard weeks. hopefully u can rest soon. but 100% all this hard work is goiing to pay off. only 2.5 weeks till Misissauga. r u tapering this time around?

go get urself a nice relaxing massage! that will be a very nice treat. :)

No Longer Using said...

i'm not glad you are tired but i am glad to know you are human :) i was wondering there for a little bit and i think it's good for all of us to know that everyone gets tired sometimes, even the amazing can't stop won't stop i eat miles for breakfast marlene!!!! :) xoxo congrats on all your hard work!!

Allison said...

The last few big weeks are always so exhausting! Good luck getting through your final tough workouts. It always helps me to know that taper is coming!

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

All of these tiring activities are going to pay off big time. So excited for you!

Unknown said...

You are going to kill the marathon! You've been doing amazing with all the training.

Runners Fuel said...

I was always tired and hungry during the last few weeks of my training, too. Now I'm in the last few days of my taper and I can hold still.

misszippy said...

Somebody is about ready for taper time! I think you've played this all out perfectly--when you do taper, do it seriously and it will all come together.

Johann said...

You've done so much and you've been so dedicated you really inspire me. You are nearly there. Keep it going!

Amy said...

You're almost there! I hope you are rewarding yourself here and there with a little Easter chocolate treat!

Amy said...

You're almost there! I hope you are rewarding yourself here and there with a little Easter chocolate treat!

Laura said...

The Laundry.....my god the Laundry! I need an assistant to just try and keep up with it.
I am in the its' almost over..good I need a break phase.
This finish line is almost here!

Denise said...

i would be more worried if you weren't tired! you're tired b/c you're working so hard and it's all going to pay off very soon!! hang on, you're almost there!

Michelle said...

I hear ya'! Week 14 I was pretty tired. But I'm tapering this week...trying to be calm and patient. I know I worked harder than ever, and yet STILL (after 4 marathons) I'm still asking myself...should I do a little more? Hee, hee! You have been super inspiring marlene!

Jill said...

I'm not running, period, and I still don't like laundry!! :)

Keep it up, just a bit longer til the big day and you're going to do awesome!!!!!!

J said...

That is so awesome that you ran the same workout twice in one day! I remember last winter when I did a few doubles and would always feel faster in the afternoon! can't wait for those warmer summer mornings when the paces come easier! keep it up! You are almost there!

Heather said...

You are working hard - almost there! Your rest after the marathon will feel even more rewarding knowing all the hard work you put in.

Unknown said...

Um, YEAH you're tired. You've earned the right to be tired and then some. Your work ethic is amazing! Enjoy your taper ... if you can stand it!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

Jess said...

You have been working very hard, so it's no wonder you're tired! As long as you're a "satisfied" tired, then it's all worth it; once the exhaustion extends beyond being happy with the training, then you know it's time to back off.

For me, I know that having running creep into EVERY aspect of my existence was why I backed away from marathons a few years ago. I didn't like my entire life revolving around it.

Anonymous said...

Tired, but still hitting your goals and trucking on! :) I've been beyond impressed with your motivation to get there for every workout - especially as you continue to find that pace every time! This sounds like the best kind of training for the race, that coach knows what he's doing!

Beth said...

I'm so impressed with your workouts! I can totally understand why you might be worn out at this point in your training cycle, but you are still kicking ass on your key workouts. Nice job!

dawn @ running the dawn said...

i'm pretty sure that i don't know or have heard of anyone who trains harder than you! seriously it's amazing. you are such a rockstar!

Kerrie said...

I'm getting excited for you!!!!

Emz said...

Is it wrong that I was semi-happy with reading that even YOU get "tired". Your speed workouts make me tired just reading about them.

Aron said...

YES these last few weeks can get to be so tiresome, but you are nailing them left and right! Keep it up, you are getting so close :)

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Your wake up hours are painful to me. No wonder your tired! But it will all be worth it.

Char said...

You're doing so well and you're almost there. Hang in for just a couple more weeks - it'll be so worth it. And BTW if you liked washing you'd be a freak.

ajh said...

You are so close and doing so well. You have plenty of reasons to be tired.

Anonymous said...

Way to push through both runs!! I'm so excited for you and I know that feeling right before the big day. It's like you are sooooo ready to just get it over with. You are ready for this -- bring on the taper baby!

Nicole said...

your going to NAIL your marathon! i cant WAIT for raceday!!!!

xoxoxoxo

Marissa said...

wow, you'll do great! I'm tired just from reading your training...impressive!

good lucK :)

Lindsay said...

Whoa. I need to hire Maurk as my coach. And by hire I mean he'd do it for free because you love me. I love these kick butt workouts he makes up for you. So far, I don't love (most of) them enough to actually do them though ;)

Felice Devine said...

That Twosday workout (those workouts?) are hardcore!

Getting close!

Julie D. said...

yet again...ROCKSTAR...Hang tight...you are almost there!!