Rolling hills and mixed emotions
Today was a BIG day in regards to my training plan. I ran the last part of the Around the Bay course with my amazing running buddies.
Let’s start from the beginning though..
Yesterday there were moments throughout the day where I felt SO nervous about my run today. It was the type of nerves that I get before a race, but worse because my stomach was giving me some trouble and I was praying that it would be gone by morning. Thankfully it was.
I was really trying to prepare myself mentally and think positively about todays run. I figured that if I feel good and do well running the course this weekend then hopefully I will do the same come race day. I also knew that I would be running the hardest part of the course; so it would really prepare me and give me an idea of what the last part of the course is like.
Oh, .. remember how I commented on how nice it was the other day? Well it went from being 10 degrees to MINUS three but feeling like -11 with high gust winds. Awesome eh!!
BBrrrRR!!
I had one Chi3 drink before I started and was off. I had a hard time warming up before I even started, so I wore 3 shirts plus my wind jacket, tights and wind pants. The first 12km went well. I was trying to find my groove while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the water and some conversation with two of my running friends. I reached 12.5km in 1:06, felt pretty good and I had my second Chi3 drink. I also tried the GU Chomps for the first time today (more on that later).
When we turned around to head back, I found it a bit more windy. Ok, a lot more windy. I slowed my pace down and tried to focus on my form. I forgot to mention one important thing: the course we ran today is VERY hilly; it’s full of rolling hills. The last 35 minutes of my run sucked big time and I found it really tough. My mind was definitely getting in the way. At around 1:37 when I was trying to pump up a hill (like a turtle) I stopped and had a little break down (dramatic, I know). My head was telling me to stop but my heart wanted to keep going. I was thinking if I was having this much trouble today, HOW in the WORLD will I be able to do it on race day? I drank some water and tried to snap out of it. Ten minutes later Coach B pulled up and drove beside me for a few minutes and tried to knock some sense into me. Thanks Coach B :)
encouraging words from Coach B!
Today we ran the hardest part of the Around the Bay course TWICE! We had a really hard week of training and it was also our highest mileage yet. The weather conditions also played a factor. Coach B reminded me that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. Yes, my run didn’t go as well as I had hoped but I should still feel pretty darn good to have accomplished 25km in 2:18 for my first time ever… and I do :)
WHY is it that once my mind gets in the way and I psych myself out, it’s SO hard to snap out of it? Does anyone else have this problem? I know I just need to tell myself “shut the hell up and RUN” but sometimes that seems so hard. I don’t know why I felt so emotional after my run today either… maybe from being mad at myself about my run or maybe from just feeling happy that I accomplished a first. Talk about mixed emotions.
On the drive home I decided that I’m going to focus on the positive. I ran through sweat, wind and tears today. I am part of an amazing group of runners full of incredible support and have a wicked Coach. That is definitely something to be thankful for!
Are you ever too hard on yourself? How do you ‘snap’ out of it?
when we were leaving, I saw this crazy dressed in SHORTS and a TSHIRT. WHAT WAS HE THINKING?!! It was freeeezing out!
Tags: around the bay, bitter cold, gu chomps, healthy choices, inspire, motivation, pain, runners edge
running is half mental! Way to push through. We all need that little voice in our heads to say YES and not give up. You did that!
you are so right.. I was going to say running is 80% mental, but Michelle beat me to it!
I am with Lindsay- but I would say running is 90% mental. I kept talking myself in and out of doing that last huge hill. Finally I just stayed in the moment and ran the 8 km to the hill and then worried about it!! You did great today- But remember recovery is for the spirit as well as the mind so be sure to do some of that work this week!!!
You are so right, Michelle.. I totally agree that running is most definitely 90% mental. I grew a lot from todays run (i think lol).. even though it was hard, it was awesome. somehow it makes me feel more excited and focused for the 27th.
Thank you!
Ohh my goodness freeeezing cold!! you are amazing to be out running in those temps, YAY for your positivity! and that man is just crazy! :)
I hope you’re having a great weekend!
Wow I am SO DANG IMPRESSED. Way to push through that girl! That sounds amazingly tough mentally and you did it! That has to feel like SUCH an accomplishment! I honestly can’t believe you ran in the cold like that. I don’t do cold weather. I’m glad you finished it!! AWESOME. xoxoxo
Thanks for your encouraging words!!
You are a trooper!! Pushing through tough conditions like that should amp up your confidence! Isn’t it amazing how MENTAL running is. I wonder if you should practice some imagery before your next difficult training run and picture yourself strong and steady for example.
What was that guy thinking?!!! Shorts in weather like that?!
That’s a good idea about practicing some imagery.. definitely going to take your advice. Thanks Jess!!
Hey Sabrina!
I didn’t know you had a blog. Good for you. And good for you for conquering Saturday’s run. Those hills are pure nastiness. Enjoy our easy week and I’ll see you out there.
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…so glad I found your blog! I have probably ran by you on a number of occasions as my group trains on the bay route as well.
We are doing the full route on Sunday….yeah…….
GOOD LUCK!!
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