Happy Friday! It’s my favorite day of the month — when Runfessions meets the Friday Five 2.0. It’s a no holds barred type of post and I love it. I have quite a few things to runfess for this fine August Runfessions. Grab a snack and enjoy the ride!
Training is getting really tough — and other August runfessions
I runfess…
1. I’m struggling big time this training cycle.
I don’t like putting this out in the universe, but I gotta be real. I’m struggling with this training cycle. I’m training for my third long distance race of 2017 and my mind and body are starting to rebel. The week prior to the Rock Hall Half, I had my calf worked on. It was a fairly aggressive ART session (active release technique) and it left me bruised and mangled for days. In fact, it’s still tender and it’s been more than a week now. Anyway — I couldn’t even run for the rest of the week. But I runfess, I didn’t even want to. I don’t know if I was bordering on burn out or what. Honestly, though, my drive was gone.
Sometimes things happen for a reason and I’m convinced my chiropractor put me out of commission so I could take some much needed down time. Of course he didn’t do it on purpose (did you, doc??), but as painful as the appointment was, the unplanned rest that followed was sorely needed. Going forward, I’m going to try my hardest to hit all my workouts and paces, but if I need a break I won’t feel bad listening to my body.Β I imagine some of my struggles this summer have had to do with the balancing act of parenting, working, and training. I hope, at least. I really want to reel in the rest of my training and actually enjoy it.
And this may be a telling sign, but I led into my July Runfessions with an eerily similar point…
2. I gave myself heart palpitations on my run earlier this week.
Yeah, seriously. How does one achieve such a phenomenal feat? By not getting any sleep, then running, and then bending down during said run, and then returning to running. It throws the heart all out of whack. Palpitations ensue.
Remember that time I told you about my echocardiogram? All I could think about was how strong my heart is and that I had nothing to worry about. But physically, the run was a trudge. I didn’t think I would make it home, to be honest. Such a mess. I need more sleep. And to not bend down in the middle of a run anymore. But the selfies…!
August Runfessions
3. 5:30 am wake-ups are overrated.
I cherish the times I get to run with my friends. Buuuuuut, I don’t necessarily enjoy the early morning wake-ups. When it was sunny out at 5:30 am it wasn’t such a big deal. But now it’s dark until 6:15 am or so. How demotivating! I’d rather stay in bed. Anyone else?
4. Striking a balance with macros is taxing.
I eat what sounds good without much thought. I don’t eat ice cream for lunch and I don’t pound a bag of chocolate chips at the end of dinner (although maybe I should?) — I eat nutritious food according to what my body’s craving. There was a good month or so when I was eating bagels every day for lunch. I gained some weight and now I’m trying to backpedal my way out of that. I’m making healthier food choices than I have been and trying to make sure I’m fueling appropriately for my training load. Without weighing, counting, and measuring food, though, it’s taxing! I think I’ve got a handle on it now, but still. I’ve been much better at fueling lately at least, so there’s that.
I runfess… these people are the cutest. π
5. My kids went back to school this week.
And I’m not even gonna sugarcoat it — I’m ecstatic! We had a really great summer together but they’ve been at each other’s throats for the last couple weeks and it has driven me IN-SANE. I’m so happy just to have some peace and quiet. I’m so tired of refereeing life. Next week will be my first full week with both kids in school. I think I might just sit in the living room and do nothing for an hour one day. Because I can.
But in all seriousness, I love my kids. I’m just thankful to have a little more time to myself again. Summer is always busy with training, coaching, blogging, and juggling kids. I’m ready for a breather!
I think that about covers it for my August Runfessions. Things I need to work on for September: getting more sleep and eating better food.
So what do you guys think? Am I a total mess or what?Β
Don’t forget to linkup with Fairytales and Fitness and me for the Friday Five 2.0! Find out what your friends are up to and new blogs to read!
xo
Let’s talk!
Have you ever given yourself heart palpitations by doing something stupid?
Do you have a hard time balancing macros?
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77 Comments
I think you’re ina typical state! Definitely listen to your body and take extra rest! Maybe practice legs-up-the-wall while catching up on daytime tv when your kids are at school. π
Haha! Brilliant idea. π I wish I liked soaps… I wish movies started at 9:30 am more, though. Then I could eat all the popcorn. π
Macros? What are macros? (I ask that because I don’t even bother paying attention to them….my bad, right?). I know what you mean about the kids back in school thing. Years ago, there was a commercial for Target that showed all the parents with their kids at the bus stop…and as the bus pulled away, all the parents were dancing and grooving and CELEBRATING as their kids were shuttled away….It kind of parallels running. As much as we love running, we all need a break from it, right?
I don’t even know, girl. I don’t count macros. I just know I’ve been eating too many carbs. Haha! But how can that be since I’m burning through them all?
I totally am celebrating my silence today. It’s glorious. π
And YES, I need a break!!! I’m excited for race day but I’m excited for all the sleep afterward.
I feel like I’m always right on the verge of burnout. Actually, I know that’s why my training for my last few races was haphazard. Thankfully, while I’m tired, I’m hanging in there this time.
And I’m totally jealous that your kids have gone back already…
When do your kids go back? I feel like mine went back late compared to everyone around here.
I’m glad you’re hanging in this time! Almost race day. π
Having gotten up at 5:30 this morning, very reluctantly i might add, I agree with you that it is too early!
You’ve run a lot of races this year…I’d be a little burnt out too!
5:30 is so early!! Especially when it’s dark! Gah, and winter is coming…
I have run a lot of races. I’m exhausted. Is it bedtime yet?
Yikes – that’s scary about the palpitations. I hope some extra rest will help. I’m so used to 5:30 now. It’s amazing how I’ve changed with age. I hope the kids in school will give you a little more breathing room – no pun intended!
I naturally wake up around 6:20 so 5:30 isn’t a huge stretch. The problem is when my kids are home I have to work at night, which doesn’t always mean an early bedtime for me. It adds up quick. Hopefully there will be some sanity restored soon!!
I’m struggling with the dark wake up now as well. Especially since it’s been cooler! When I was running my best and gunning for PRs and doing 2 marathons/year in addition to a bunch of halfs, I well remember that exhaustion. I think it’s normal to be brought to the brink when one trains that way. Hang in there!
I naively thought I could handle it. I was so wrong. Haha! One long distance race per year going forward. Or none maybe. I dunno, we’ll see.
I don’t mind when it’s 75Λ at 5:30 am because then it’s not so unpleasant. But cooler temperatures in the dark — no thanks!!
Geez, I’ve been doing all sorts of stupid things out of tiredness lately & aside from one night this week, I’ve actually been sleeping just fine! Like, I totally forgot it was Runfessions Friday and I have the post mostly written anyway! Guess I’ll be linking that up tomorrow.
Well, we ditched our group because of the early morning times. I said in the beginning how tiring that was for me — getting up that early isn’t hard, but when I know I have to, I sleep horribly. Anyhoo, someone else cried uncle and I’m so happy. So a smaller group of us run later.
I’m a little burnt out with training — actually, I don’t really feel mentally burnt out, but physically — I’ve just been training for over a year. And yet I find myself looking for another half around November . . . I figured by then I’m all trained up and I wouldn’t be chasing a PR. Don’t worry, I’m good; I usually feel this way as I get into the meat of training!
And you know I was about to say “why didn’t you say something?!” π But really, let me know how you’re feeling so we can make adjustments.
We had a nice group of 6 @ 6 but somehow the group has kind of died off. It was fun while it lasted. But honestly, it’s tough to function for the rest of the day getting up that early.
My first trimester, I would palpitations just sitting around. not when running, though. I hope it was just an overtired thing. I think once you get some better sleep, maybe you will feel better about everything.
I’m with you on the slightly later wake ups. Getting up at 6 instead of 5 has been so lovely for me.
I find my palpitations definitely increase with the less sleep I get. But I also did it to myself the other day which was galactically stupid. #facepalm
Nutrition is always a crap shoot with me. I finally went to see a dietician earlier this month and she gave me some good tips to follow so I think I’ll be on the right path soon. I just love carbs too damn much, lol
Yikes about the heart palpitations, but glad that everything is okay. Girl, you know I’m right there with you about training! I’m actually looking forward to not training for anything this winter after the NYC Marathon is over.
I don’t mind getting up early for a run…but what I do mind is that I’m getting up earlier on Saturdays for my long run (4:30/5:00am) than my normal wake up time for work during the week (6:00am)!
Wait, hold up. Why are you getting up so early for long runs?! That’s insane!!
Seriously, I’m so over training. I want to love running again, ya know? I want to just put on my shoes and be like, “okay, let’s go!” Not, “okay… I guess I’ll go…” We both need to take some major time off before the next cycle!!
It usually takes me 45-60 mins to get ready (bathroom, KT tape, food, etc) so I aim to be out the door by 5:30 to try to beat the heat/humidity but often fail at that anyway lol. Thankfully I don’t have too many miles tomorrow so I can probably wake up @ 6.
I’m planning on taking off November (after NYCM) and December from training! It will be nice to just “run for fun”.
I’m taking off November and December, too. And hopefully January. I don’t really want to train at all, so maybe I won’t run until May with you. π
I have about an hour routine in the mornings, too. But I’m not trying to run at 5:30 am on the weekends. Because that’s INSANITY!!!
I get up at 4:30 most mornings (thanks dogs) and I’m pretty over it too. But with feeding, walking, and other doggy care, it’s got to be done if I want to get out myself before the heat.
Get some sleep! It’s important!
You’re almost into the cool season, though, right?? Just a month or two more?
Every so often I get jealous of the early morning runners and then I think I’d rather sleep in a bit. I am trying to re evaluate my eating as well right now. It’s not so easy without becoming obsessive over it.
Oh gosh, I know. When I was first losing my weight after having my son, it became borderline eating disorder-ish. When I finally recognized what was happening, I quit counting calories and weighing food cold turkey. It helped IMMENSELY.
I don’t mind early morning running. I mind all the miles. Haha.
I’ve been struggling training lately too. A lot of it comes down to balancing waking up early to run with the need for sleep for my health. Been so super busy inside and outside work lately, so it’s been tough. Slowly getting back into it though as things level out.
It’s such a delicate balance! I feel like all I do is sleep, train, eat, repeat. I’m slowly getting a hold of things, too. But it’s hard, right?
I’m struggling with burn out this training cycle too. Coming off of a hard training for Grandmas, then right back into it for Marine Corps, plus the humidity, 5:00AM runs, and family schedules all have me struggling to keep up with the training. Keep going, but rest when you need it!
This makes me feel so much better. Especially since we’re doing the same runs and have the same coach. I’m glad it’s not just me. I had a convo with my chiro this morning about it and told him he put me out of commission for a few days. He said to me, “Well, you probably needed it because every time you talk about training you don’t seem excited about it anymore.” Lol!
My running motivation has tanked in the past few weeks, and with Chicago in 6 weeks and MCM in 8, that is not good! I’ve had a lot going on on the home front which is only part of the reason. I think I was a little too anxious the first few weeks of training and just burned myself out. Trying to get my mojo back.
My two eldest are out of college and living on their own. My youngest left for his junior year in college about a week and a half ago. Such the opposite feeling, I was dreading the start of school! I love nothing more than when my boys are home and all together.
Awww, mama. I’m sure I’ll feel the exact same way when my kids are grown. It’s just so hard when they’re little. All the noise!!
We can do this. We just need to rest a little more and listen to our bodies. We have big fish to fry in a few short weeks!!! π
It was so much easier to wake up when the sun was up early. I didn’t like being zinged awake at 5:30, but it made getting through breakfast and my morning commute easier. Earlier this week, my commute was very cloudy, and that was difficult. I want sunlight please.
I’m right there with you. I crave sunlight.
Listening to your body is always a good idea! This was the first week that my kids were in school and yes it was nice. They were ready to go back. Sleep is so important! I get up early (like 4:30-5:00) but I go to bed early too. Nutrition is a balancing act. Just eat what makes you feel best!
It’s so nice when the kids are being busy and learning and it’s so quiet at home… π If I just turned on the TV for them and it was quiet, I would feel guilty. But I know they’re off learning new things that I wouldn’t be teaching at home anyway.
I can’t wait for early bed tonight!
Yikes on the heart palpitations! That sounds scary. Glad everything was ok π
Thanks, yeah I’m all good. π Just a dumb mistake.
I agree, those little people ARE the cutest!
I think this August heat is making it more of a struggle for running lately. At least over here in my parts!
Thank you so much. π
It’s been cold for us this month. I don’t like it at all. I need my warmth back!
I’m amazed how much my kids are picking on each other, back to school can’t come soon enough (sept 6th). I’ m loving my early morning runs but getting up at 5:30 AM has been HARD!
Sept 6th is so far away!!! Hang in there, mama. So close…
I’ve been sliding on the early morning runs too – I’m just not feeling the whole dark when the alarm goes off thing right now. And, I’m so with you on needing to get more sleep – it’s a struggle to balance it all!
It’s a huge struggle, isn’t it? The other thing I’ve been doing is not watching TV at night. I read now and it helps me fall asleep much easier, which is nice. π
I’m with you on the early morning stuff. I know I run and feel better when I do but it’s so hard to get out of bed.
I eat bagels every day…and I refuse to get on the scale!!!
You must process bagels better than I do because you look amazing! I could feel it more than anything. The bagels are just sitting on my mid-section and it’s so uncomfortable. But bagels… mmmmmmm…
Don’t you just love the routine that back-to-school brings? Ahhhh… I took two sorely needed weeks off running and survived. But, I don’t know why it sends us runners into such a panic. LOL. I’ve been sleeping in a lot this summer since I wasn’t training for anything. It’s going to be difficult to wake earlier, especially in the dark.
I think that’s why I prefer summer training for fall races — because then when it’s dark and cold I can just stay in bed. π π π
My runfessions are i dont train as hard as you! If I dont feel like it or my body says nope I dont run! Its not worth it I have been thru the runners blues when these high mile weekS come and it isnt worth it! Take a break it wont kill your training to take a few days off or skip that long run once!! Now that not an excuse to lay around all day but half the day is fine! Knock out a few burpees and planks and you will be fine!!! My other Runfession is that I almost hurt myself trying to get high millage on my shoes! Once i passed 1000 miles on my hokas I kept thinking how many more can i get!!! What an idiot i am !! MY BODY WAS HURTING!!! So i finally got a new pair!! .3 tenths of a mile short of 1100!!! Got my monies worth!!!!
Holy moly, 1000 miles on one pair of shoes? Eek! One time I maxed out a pair around 550 and that was far too many miles.
I don’t feel like I’m training very hard. I’m not doing grueling workouts or anything like that. It’s just that I’ve been in training since January and I need to mentally reset more than anything. My two week break between Grandma’s and MCM training was amazing. I’m looking forward to it again. π
Sounds like a lot of scary moments this month! Hopefully the fall is better for you π
Haha, I think just one scary moment. π Thank you!!
It’s SO much harder to get up for an early run when the sun isn’t up yet!!! Totally hear you. But I like that my daughter has been sleeping in later because of it, so I can’t decide how I feel on the subject!!!
Hmmm yes, good call! But sleeping in later sometimes means rushing to get ready for school. Haha! Can’t win.
YAY for the kids being back in school!!! Am I right?! I feel a little guilty feeling that way…so I am glad you’re on board! HA!!
No guilt here. Haha! It’s good for everyone’s sanity. π
It’s really tough to get out of bed when still dark outside. You really need a good amount of sleep and rest, and kids are back in school so I think you should do that!! They are really cute by the way π
Thanks, Shalini!
Definitely need to get more sleep. Looking forward to more days of school next week. π
I love how real you are! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Leah!
It does sound like you are getting a little burned out, with not having the desire to run. I have gotten like that before and it’s always when I am feeling burned out! Usually, just letting it all go for a week or two helps me. I still run, but I don’t MAKE myself run unless I want to. Usually when I get int hat mindset, I feel a little more free and thus end up wanting to run!. That’s a trick that works for me! And of course I realize that may not work on a tight training schedule, but I just wanted to share because we’ve all been there with that feeling!
It is hard to get up when it’s dark! It is dark when my alarm goes off at 5:30 but by the time I am out running around 6:05 it is light out. What is going to suck is come winter when it’s still dark when I leave fore work at 7:30!! That is just soooooo depressing. And then it’s dark again by 5:30! No wonder people get seasonal affective disorder.
I have SAD! It’s brutal.
I agree, I need to take a week or two off. I’m just trying to keep a positive mindset right now. I’m almost there. And then I plan on not training for anything for a while!
Hope it gets better for you soon. You’re doing amazing!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate that. π
Maybe do the race for fun! When I start losing my drive, it’s an early sign of burnout for me.
Oh yeah, for sure. I never truly “race” marathons. My A goal is always to have fun. I’m just kinda going through the motions to get there.
You are far from a total mess! You are human and worn out from life and ready for a reprieve!
Enjoy some peace and quiet and get some rest lady!
Thanks, Esther! I do need a reprieve… maybe some daytime tv and bon bons. π
Sounds like a great plan! If I was closer I would bring you bon bons ππ
πππ thanks, friend!!
What a great post. I hope your training starts to get easier/better for you.
Thanks, Mikki! I doubt it will get easier since the mileage will continue to climb, but I think it will get better now that my kids are in school and I’ll have a little more time to run during daylight hours.
Running in August is hard enough and I think you’ve been putting some intense mileage in lately Rachel. I think you can use some extra breaks here and there Champ. Marathon training is super hard, and we sometimes don’t give ourselves enough credit and rest. Rest up my friend!!
It’s been fairly cool here this August. I actually love running in the heat (yes, I know, I’m an odd bird). I’ve been in constant contact with my coach and I’m listening to my body. I definitely need more sleep, though! π
Getting up early is never fun, and with the first day of school tomorrow I have to start setting my 4:45 a.m. alarm again. Agh!!!
4:45?!?! That’s too early, girl. Get some rest!
I love getting up early. It can be a struggle but it is so rewarding when you are finished with your workout before the sun rises!
I honestly don’t know how you do it! You’re supremely dedicated!!
[…] been struggling through my current training cycle. In fact, in my last two runfessions (July and August), I made mention of how difficult training was becoming. Burnout has been a constant worry of mine […]