This picture was taken before my run this afternoon. I was in a great mood and ready to go kick a little butt on the running trails. It was my plan to run ten miles today. Monday evening I went on a six mile run and I took last night off because I knew I was going to do ten today. It was so nice here in Minnesota with temperatures in the low 70's....gorgeous by my usual standards. I was so looking forward to getting outside and enjoying some of the nice weather and sunshine! I wore a tank top and shorts:) Meg, I made sure to put on my sunblock and wore my visor. I grabbed my Garmin and sunglasses and basically skipped out of my front door! It was pretty windy and I was struggling with mile one. I was running down Weaver Lake Road and felt like something was off. I continued and figured it would just take a few minutes to get into the groove. After mile one I was so thirsty and already sweating! I looked down at my Garmin and I was maintaining a 8:50 minute mile pace. I felt like crap! My stride was off and I was getting frustrated because I just couldn't get it together. Sometimes I run on my toes...it is a sprinter thing to do and it is hard to stop once I start. At mile two my right hip started to mildly ache. It wasn't terrible but it was there. I was moving slower than usual and I was so hot! It was at mile four where my knee started to throb!! WTH!! I continued to slowly jog in hopes that it would just go away. I really wish that I would of taken my water bottle because I needed a drink. Mile five had a hill and I wanted to stop....I was on my flipping toes again taking small short steps. After I made it up the hill I started to feel a tightness in my ankles and shins. I am sure it had to do with running with terrible form and being an idiot and running on my toes instead of mid foot like I am supposed to!!! The sweat was running down the side of my face and I was dreaming of a cold glass of icewater!! I felt like crap...this run was crap...oh, my attitude at this point was crap too!! I was about a mile from home and I made a quick decision to put myself out of my misery! I jogged slowly home and limped into my house:( I looked like hell and felt worse!! I just don't get it!?! I sat on my steps wondering what tomorrow will be like. I got down on my floor and attempted to stretch out real good. It hurt and my body ached:( I took a few ice packs out of my freezer and put one on my hip and the other on my knee. Keep your fingers crossed for me...I want to get up tomorrow and be able to walk:)Has anyone else ever had a bad run like this where you feel like your body is falling apart? Do any of you have suggestions for my running form? How do I stay off of my toes until it is time for me to sprint in a race?
I did my push-up challenge last night and I moved down a week because I was having such a hard time with it. I think I am skipping tonight and will resume tomorrow. I was looking at my calendar and I had my running schedule all mixed up. I actually have this weekend off from racing and will most likely drive to St. Cloud to run with the SCRRs. It is next weekend where I have my Run The Valley 10K race. The following weekend is the Earth Day half marathon and the week after that is my Get In Gear 10K:) Yes, I know that I am a nut case and will most likely regret signing up for so many races that are so close together! I hope that you all enjoy the rest of your week! Happy running and keep smiling:)
Tricia is having a Kettle Worx giveaway!
Misszippi is hosting a Runvervals DVD giveaway:)
Have I ever had a bad running day? Almost everyday..I am excited when I have a good day. Not to sound negative..but getting back into it this time has been super hard for me!
ReplyDeleteBad days are just part of the running package...No big deal...tomorrow will be back to normal...GREAT!
The runner's bane: a terrible workout for no apparent reason. At least we get some great workouts too when we don't know how they happened either. Who knows?
ReplyDeleteOh woman! I just posted about having a bad running day! A bad running/mental week, period! I emailed my Coach, begging to know what the heck to do. He assured me even he, the amazing runner, has runs where he struggles for a 9:30 pace for four miles.
ReplyDeleteAnd 10 is a LONG way to go without water. And even some fuel. Especially as the temp's rise.
Here's something to make you feel better: Holy Sexy Arms! Love them, Hot Mama! Rawr!
I have had those horrible runs more times than I can count. When I am tired or just having a bad run I can tell when my form goes haywire and then I obsess about it, degenerating my run into misery. I usually go home and do a cold soak, leave the run behind me and get ready for the next one. Just remember, it is these crappy runs that allow you to have your GREAT runs.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had such a rough run, it happens!
ReplyDeleteI certainly have had bad running days. Sorry you just had one, you are usually so upbeat! Hope your next one is completely different!
ReplyDeleteSorry you had a bad day. We all have them! I mostly run on my toes these days, particularly when I wear flexible shoes like Nike frees. I don't think that is a problem, because we are supposed to push of the big toe, so landing on the toes is actually saving time. Hope the hip and knees feel better. I've had weird pains like this in runs, and they went away as fast as they came. Oh, and running in warm weather after being used to cold is always tough on me. I am praying for cold temps for Boston:)
ReplyDeleteI bad day running is better than a great day at work!!! It happens to us all Julie ... put it behind you and start fresh. I hear ya on the running on toes. I am a former football player and went to speed camps and worked on speed drills all through HS and College - always was taught to run on my toes. Sometimes this is a hard habit to break!
ReplyDeleteBeen there, seen that, done that! We've all had those bad run days (daze!) where for no apparent reason we forget how to run and question why the heck we ever became a runner. Of course the assorted aches and pains seem multiplied while we're having a "Bad Day." Sorry, that song is still stuck in my head from my run today. Maybe part of your problem was due to dehydration. I'm guessing that you're next run will be a good one. Hey, that rhymes! Take care, rest, and relax Julie.
ReplyDeleteGood call cutting it short...stretch and water, then repeat again. I hope it's better for you tomorrow and going into the wknd - D
ReplyDeleteIt's only because you have so many good days that you are so aware of the badness of this run :) ...I really hope that your pain is all gone tomorrow morning...do rest up a bit though, so you'll be ready for all your upcoming races. Take good care of yourself Julie.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has a bad day from time to time. The best quote for this is "all you can do is all you can do." Good call in cutting it short. You'll get your mojo back next time.
ReplyDeleteUm, yea! You and I must have been running together today. I was so excited to get out and do about 8 hilly miles. Make it about 2 miles before I had to walk up hill #3. My legs were tight, my back hurt, and though I stuck out my 8 miles, I walked a lot of it and tears flooded upon my return (that wouldn't have happened but I'm soooo frustrated with Boston right now!!!!)...so yea, girl, we all have those runs! Later today I went to the gym for a core workout and just because I was in a pissy mood, I decided to do two miles of hills since they kicked my butt earlier today. Those went okay, but it wasn't the revenge I wanted! Hang in there girl...sometimes we just need to have a bad run; I'm not sure why but sometimes we just do, it's all part of this game called running (I'm not sure why I have more than my share but I'm not giving up, dangit!!!). And a hug always seems to help, too! Hugs to you, Julie!!
ReplyDeleteOh my, I thought of many of my crappy runs when I read this post. Sometimes you're good, sometimes not. So sorry about all the aches and pains. Seriously, I keep reading posts where everyone is complaining about hip pain, including me! I havent' run since Saturday.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you did a smart thing about taking a day off before the long run, maybe you just need a break? Maybe do some yoga or cross training, you've gotta rest those Gun's of yours!
: )
Running on your toes is not a problem. You are actually running a better form than most people realize. Don't worry about it. More people struggle with heal strikes, the opposite problem.
ReplyDeleteMy recent training has been to get up on the toes. There is nothing wrong with that. Your feet will eventually get tired, and you will get more of a mid strike.
Bad training day - you did the right thing. Just shelve it and move on. Nothing to worry about. Relax.
I have days like that too where everything just feels off.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better tomorrow and try to look at it as your body just saying it needs a rest. Maybe your immune system is fighting something off?
Have a peaceful evening and you sure looked great before you went out!
Your cards came today, how exciting and thanks again for keeping the note on your blog for Jill!!
ReplyDeleteThe bad running days stand out because you're a positivie person and accustomed to so many good days. I once read(somewhere??)that the faster you get over the bad runs, the sooner you can move on to better training. In other words, let it go, get over it and move on as soon as possible!! I had a REALLY bad run a few Thursdays ago and I let myself freak out for the following two hours and then moved on...well, as much as I could. It actually took a day or two. Hang in there Sweetie, take a breath and try again tomorrow!! Cute picture, by the way!
Yeah for a visor and sunscreen!!
meg
I find booze and mad, hysterical rants at everyone for no reason seems to help me re-focus! Just kidding. Sorta. Like everyone else has said, the bad days will be there, but you just have to forget about them and move on. I used to be a huge proponent of midfoot striking, but I've gone to the middle now and leave it to each runner to find there perfect stride. I just happen to be a midfoot striker too. Sometimes you just have to surrender your body to the running gods and let them take you where and how they will!
ReplyDeletei love seeing you in your run get up on the stairs of your house. love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm in aloha ville over here still, so can't articulate a post, but yeah, bad days happen-ugh...and ain't that the process. ;-)
I go through a few bad days every now and then but when things get better again I feel stronger than before the bad days. I'm sure you'll be stronger soon. I take water with me when I run more than 10km.
ReplyDeleteYes it happens. The question is why? Could be a whole lot of things. The best thing to do is get back out there when your body feels better. Take care, Julie!
ReplyDeleteI think my first year of running could be summed up as a "bad running day!" But you know the drill...there are good ones and bad ones. Ups and downa! You are awesome and in that photo you look great and not beat up at all.
ReplyDeleteSorry you had such a bad run! Isn't it funny how you can be rarin' to go and then have a bad run, or, dread your run and then have an awesome one? Don't discount the effect of warmer temps for the first time. It can take it out of you until you are used to it. For sure, the next one will be better!
ReplyDeleteSomedays its just not meant to be. Those days I either call it the day and not waste my legs on junk miles or risk the chance of injury or i suffer through it and chalk the workout in the mental toughness catergory
ReplyDeletewelcome to my world! SOrry about the bad run but your next one will probably be so much better! YOu still looked great and isn't that what really counts? ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't see your email anywhere to send you info about the Lupus team--help!
Lookin good, Big Sis! Sorry you had a not so great run. You think your body is not used to the 70 degree weather yet?
ReplyDeleteBoooooooo. Bad days are so demoralizing. BUT, know that everyone has them. The trick is to make them as infrequent as possible....and to get back out there!
ReplyDeleteYeah, everyone has those random days where you just feel like crap. You could've just been dehydrated- having blood as thick as molasses tends to make you feel bad:)
ReplyDeleteHm. The only tip I would give you on form is to not worry about what part of the foot to land on, but make sure the foot is landing directly under your hips. Foot strike patterns change depending on the pace. At a faster pace, almost everyone lands mid-foot or on their toes. At a slow pace, even elites are landing with their heels first.
Don't worry about one day...only if it's a pattern. Pretend like it didn't happen- that's what I do:)
Have a great day, Julie!!!
word verification: amidsta. As in, amidsta good runs there are always a couple bad ones:)
Julie - my solution is to pay as much attention to a good run as you do on a bad run. Figure out what you did/are doing right that makes the run so uneventful. Then, when you have a bad day, think back to the good run and start replicating...
ReplyDeleteMy outlook is that if it was always easy,then (a) everyone would do it, and (b) we would not derive any value from it.
Has anyone else ever had a bad run like this where you feel like your body is falling apart?
ReplyDeleteTook the words right out of my mouth. You are falling apart gurrrl! :-D When stuff like that happens, you need to be not be bull headed and change up your workout. Change your pace. Run/Walk, what ever you need to to turn it into a success!
I am the opposite of you. I have been a heal thumper. Running on your toes is not such a bad thing other than it puts unnecessary strain on your Achilles and calves. You probably just need to lengthen your stride a little bit. Did you see that video on Active.com about running form? Short, sweet, and to the point!
Hope you are fully recovered today!
Sorry about your bad run and I hope you recover really fast.
ReplyDeleteBad run? Hmmm...? let me think about this one? Bad run? The only bad run I can think of is the ones I have not been able to do for the last month due to my ankle. I like Glenn's and Mike or Matt Pattens comments. They come and go good and bad ones. The only really awful run I can think of was running the Seattle Marathon 13-14 years ago in a utter downpour of rain that was close to sleet/snow falling. Cold, wet runs are my bane!!!
ReplyDeleteI thought running off your toes was the way to go though. Less injury and more natural stride. I actually strive for this - which is maybe why I have the ankle pain now?
Try some new shoes as well, and give yourself 5-7 days off. Rest is far more important than people realize!!! Plus, that feeling running on fresh legs - THE BEST!
I reckon one bad run amongst all those great ones is not a bad ratio. Wish mine was the same! So nothing to worry about Julie. We all have bad days.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm struggling I tend to concentrate on two things: First, I consciously control my breathing because if that gets out of hand, everything goes to pot. Mine is normally a six step sequence of IN, IN, IN, OUT, OUT, PAUSE. Yours may be different from mine, but you must get it right to maintain a smooth optimum pace.
Secondly I concentrate on my running form by silently repeating a little mantra to the rhythm of my breathing: 'Running loose, running with style, step by step, mile after mile'.
It's amazing how these two little things have helped me through rough times and smoothed out some pretty steep hills too.
Wishing you all the best in your forthcoming races.
Sorry to hear you had a bad time on your run. I know exactly how you felt, but normally I only feel that way if my nutrition if "off" the day prior to the run. Perhaps that was the case for you?
ReplyDeleteAs for running on your toes...I run on my toes on almost all of my training runs less than 10 miles. After 10 miles I kinda switch to mid-foot. (I land on my toes, and then slowly lower until my entire foot in on the ground.)
I hope you're better today. Take care!
ReplyDeleteI can't decide where to go with my pushups either...ugh, its getting hard!
ReplyDeleteWe all have the occasional bad run. It just happens. In all likelihood, your next one will rock.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great picture of you!
Some days are just better than others. Training schedules are great to follow as suggestions, but listen to your body to avoid injury. That's what I've learned this past year. If I'm having a bad run, sometimes I'll cut it short and perhaps if I'm having a good run within a few days maybe I'll push that one further to make up for the bad run. If you're going up hill and your on your toes too much try leaning forward more and taking smaller steps. That might get your form back with the proper foot strike? Good luck on all your upcoming races! Sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteYour pic reminded me why I like running in warm weather so much better! Have a great weekend.
Hey Julie-
ReplyDeleteI hate when that happens.... (bad runs that is)
I don't understand it either but one day is golden and the next, CRAP! All I can say is keep at it and make sure you run a little after the crappy days. (that is unless you are feeling injured) I find that even a little running and some light strides after crappy days usually get me back on track to better days.
Also, sometimes I forget about proper fuel. Take a look back at the last few days and review your meals. Bump up the Carbs for a day or two and see if your legs make the turn.
Best of luck.
G
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteSorry you had a crappy run. I completely understand your frustration. That is exactly my response after crappy runs, of which I have had plenty. I think part of my problem is that I expect ALL runs to be AWESOME and that ain't gonna happen, not for me. I think the best thing to do is to put that one crappy run behind you and move on to the next one. Remember, you have had some pretty good runs lately too! Hang in there!! Have a great weekend.
We all have bad running days. Sometimes I think it is the body's way of telling us to rest.
ReplyDeleteI hope your back to your normal self soon. Have a great weekend and don't stress about that run.
If you don't keep a detailed running log I would just chalk it up to one of those days. Keep in mind that a bad run isn't about today, it's about what you did the previous few days.
ReplyDeleteWe all have those days. Hang in there!
ReplyDeletei have definitely had those kinds of runs :( they are no fun and definitely beat up the self-esteem. brush it off and know that you are due for an overly-great one now soon!
ReplyDeleteyou are a glamour shots model! well, minus the 80's vibe of course :)
ps my word verification is faste ... so obviously you will have a good, fast run soon! duh!
yeah, my 12 mile run two weeks ago SUCKED. But it's all better now. I just needed a little extra rest and to remember not to start out too fast.
ReplyDeleteawesome pic!!!
ReplyDeletejust wanted to say hello!!!!