Friday, February 26, 2010

Back at it

I was back on the trails last night. I put in a 10 mile slow aerobic run around the Back Bay. I purposely kept things slow and steady. My legs are still tired, although the rest of the pain from Saturday's race is pretty much gone. More important though is that I needed this run to get my head back into things.

There's something about training and weeks 15 through 18 that just get to me. Last marathon cycle I had the same problem about 16 weeks in - losing interest and suffering mental burnout as the miles start racking up. There appears to be an inversely proportional relationship between 50 miles a week and my interest level. This does not bode well for my fledgling trail running/ultra career! Hopefully, the motivational problems are more related to running the same paths and trails four or five days a week for the last three years.

Boy - I hate to say this, but I'll be happy when the L.A. Marathon is over. Time for a little break from the rigors of marathon training! Tonight I'm on the rowing machine to make up for my fun on Wednesday.

13 comments:

  1. I don't think I could ever run 50 miles a week! I don't know how you do it.

    I have felt that burnout feeling and its no fun. maybe switching things up will help? new trails?

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  2. I'm glad you took it easy - if one can call a 10 mile 'easy'. ::smiles::

    It's good that you identified you seem to have this problem when you get to this point in your training. Hopefully, now that you've realized this, you will be able to figure out a way to work through it. Good luck!

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  3. Do you think with your current fitness level you could shorten your time frame for marathon training? Maybe 18 weeks isn't necessary for you anymore. Just a thought. :) That's why I had to do 14 weeks, b/c I knew if I did 16 I would go BONKERS.

    And thanks for the fuel suggestions while I'm in training. I've never had an issue eating enough carbs, so rest assured that I am getting plenty. :D

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  4. Hi Glenn,
    I would probably feel the same way with all of the hard core and heavy miles that you have been putting in! Just stay positive and hang in there:) Have a great weekend Glenn!!

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  5. I get sick of the same routes, too. I need to explore! (But somehow be safe about it, you know?)

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  6. How come I never see you on the Back Bay? I run there all the time. Maybe I should pay attention? Maybe it is because all runners look alike? Maybe the Back Bay trail is long?
    Do you struggle with that little steep incline too..hahaha? The one where weak bikers have to get off and push their bikes up? I do this alot when I bike...haha, so I am talking about myself!

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  7. Tea Time - I'm sure we have npassed each other. But heck, all of us runners look alike on that trail!

    I always run *down* that little incline. I usually start over near the Marriott Suites/Fletcher Jones and run south on Jamboree. If you do it taht way, the only "up" you have is over by Castaways, and then a little uphill over by the church off Irvine Avnue.

    Drop me an email at gjhome00 at gmail dot com the next time you run it. We'll see if we can coordinate schedules. I've got to warn you though - I'm ususlly pretty slow (10:30 type pace) when going around the bay!

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  8. Yikes, I'm feeling a little tired lately too! Let's hang in there, it's almost over for a while!

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  9. Great Post Glenn. I will praying that you give it your all and kick ass in the marathon that will soon be taking place before you know it. I have recently come into the losing interest category of running. I am doing a little better though. I need a kick in the ass. Sounds like you had a good 10 miler. Take care and keep at it.

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  10. Maybe an 18 week training plan is too long for you. It is kind of a long time to be focused on one plan. Try a 14-15 week build up and see if that helps.

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  11. Glenn!!! Just found your blog today.... LOVE IT!!! Bookmarking and like your governor- will be back.

    I have only been running for a couple of years myself. I also run into some "motivational problems" when training. I just get burned out.

    Thanks for the posts. I will be keeping up with you from Mississippi.

    Rob----- hey, check out my blog at:

    www.weighdownsouth.com

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  12. I think a lot of us go through motivational lags in our running. I think that's normal, especially when putting in so many miles for so many weeks/months. As you've said, a change of scenery may do you good.

    Hang in there.

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  13. umm. no burnouts allowed! not this year!! :) although, i don't know why you didn't go with the 2-week training plan like we talked about...

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