I reluctantly dragged myself out of the bed and headed down to the basement to get it done on the treadmill. I was hardly awake with about 3 hours of sleep... I ran a mile, it was torture, I felt awful. I hadn't felt fully recovered from my half marathon the previous Sunday. To me, this seemed ridiculous. I've run so many half's back-to-back and been fine the next day so why would a slow one be plaguing me for so long. My answer, I've never run every day post race.
So after only 1 mile, I hopped off the treadmill and headed upstairs to shower and grab my suitcase before driving to Seattle to catch our flight. I knew that I wouldn't be running that second mile later in the day either as we weren't going to land in Florida until 11:30PM. So it didn't work for me. That's the thing about mixing up your training, it doesn't always work out the way you planned. In the end, it is much better that I did not try to attempt to continue streaking on our trip (you'll have to wait for my Wine and Dine recap to find out why). Though, I know for a fact that we walked over 6 miles in the parks on Friday and Saturday and then of course my half marathon stretched from Saturday night into Sunday morning. So I suppose those could have counted but to me it was not the intended purpose of the run streak and I've chosen to bow out. I found myself dreading my daily run, even at only 3km, where as during a normal week I would run 5km+ every other day and enjoy it.
I am still providing prizes to Solana for those who complete the challenge! And for those of you that do, it is not easy, so be proud of yourself for making that commitment!
After a whole year of accomplishing things I never thought I could, I am sad to have not completed this challenge but I just didn't feel healthy while doing it and as always listening to your body is an important part of training.
I am struggling with running right now too! After finishing a very slow half in the blow and snow last Sunday (one where I had a nasty wipeout) I have had almost no motivation to get out there. My should feels better. less pain now. Maybe tomorrow I shall brave it and get out there. I have a DECEMBER streak..1 mile each day. So need to get it together. And I nee dto plan out my half mara and a mara training plan for 2014 !! yonks!!! this year has gone so quick!!!!
ReplyDeleteand yes. listen to your body if it needs rest! :-)
I look forward to hearing/reading about your December streak! I am also having trouble finalizing my plans for 2014, #runnerproblems right?!? Thanks Tina!
DeleteHey, no worries if streaking isn't for you! You definitely have to listen to your body. Can't wait to hear all about your Disney trip!
ReplyDeleteThanks Leana. A lot of your recommendations panned out, you're like a Disney expert!
DeleteI briefly thought about joining the streak and then didn't because I was pretty sure I would end up feeling like you. There is a fine line between running being fun and running being a chore. That line is different for everyone. I'm sure there are lots of runners who love short daily runs but would hate to run multiple half marathons in a year. We all have to do what works mentally and physically for ourselves.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, I learn something new every day :)
DeleteGotta do what works best! Sadly, I had to take a break to rest up a sore muscle so it may not even be that streaking doesn't agree but maybe this just isn't the time to do it.
ReplyDeleteYou moved, I can't even believe you ran that day you crazy lady!!! You're always an inspiration :)
DeleteI tried to do the run streak from Memorial Day to the 4th of July and it was way too hard on my body -- I need my recovery days so I don't get hurt. It's best to do what works best for your body!
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoy my recovery days, but I learned that about myself so at least the run streak taught me something right?!? Thanks for commenting, I love your blog!
DeleteGood attempt and even Better that you decided to listen to your body and not finish the challenge. I don't think I could run 3o days straight or rather I just don't want to. I enjoy running but not when it becomes a chore.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicole, it isn't always easy to say no, but sometimes it's for the best.
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