I've been getting into doing short road races lately... mostly 5K's. I like them because they are short enough that I know I will finish without totally killing myself but long enough so that I have to keep working and running so I don't suck... and even so I can get faster.
I made a commitment to myself that I would stop doing cardio at the gym after my weight sessions and just focus on running longer distances and harder on my in-between days. That's been working out pretty well, until it got hot again this week. Before this week it's been cool and some days even cold so I can go straight home, throw on running gear and take my run in the late afternoon/early evening. This week it's been close to 80 every afternoon and we've had 90% humidity so outside feels like a broken sauna. UGH. I hate running in the heat so this doesn't work for me. My options were to move my running time to later in the evening after it cools off (around 9 or 10) or wake up super early around 4am and go. I've done BOTH of those options this week and I feel that late night runs are much more suited to me.
I got up this morning to run at 4am. I changed into my running stuff and then promptly went back to sleep for another 15 minutes. THEN I grabbed my iPod and ran out the door. I usually don't get a good rhythm going until about 5 or 6 minutes into my run. This morning I just couldn't get into a rhythm. I felt all clunky and awkward and like I was running against the current in a molasses river. My legs just wouldn't move. I was SHOCKED to find out when I got home that I ran 11. minute. miles... I haven't run that slowly for over a year! Just two days ago I was hitting an average of 7 minute 50 second miles. Plus my nose was all runny and I didn't bring a tissue so I kept sniffling as I ran.
When I ran the other night I felt AWESOME... and I think that it is due to having a day's worth of food in me to pull energy from. Also, I like running at night when I have things on my mind. I get my frustration and anxiety out and think more clearly. I can hardly think about moving my feet in the mornings. The only downside to running at night is that I go to bed later and usually have to rush around in the morning because I didn't get stuff done the night before... while I was running.
I may give early morning running 1 more try. Eh.
3 comments:
The Burn Book comment was from me... because I've been working on our burn book! What I said wasssss, be grateful it was 11 minutes because you could be slow as molasses like me and "run" it in 15 and a 5k will take up upwards of around 40 minutes. But I say hey, there are plenty of ppl that don't get their but off the couch and do anything so at least I'm trying and I think you're doing a great job!!!
Dani, you are too funny. I can't wait to see you!!!!
Post a Comment