Does that make sense? The more mileage I build, the less I want to take a rest day. It's a strange phenomenon. I guess it just shows the addictive nature of running.
I am at that point in marathon training where I feel really, really great. I feel strong. My speed is improving. My legs feel fresh! That is why it was almost painful to take a rest day yesterday. I had planned on doing an easy 5 instead of resting, but somewhere along the way I got busy and then I learned about free fro-yo at Yogurtland and my run went out the window. At the end of the day, I felt restless and really wished I ran.
My very wise friend, Amanda, sent me some pretty blunt texts reminding me that rest days are what keep me from getting injured. She reminded me how important Boston and Newport are to me, and that rest days are my ticket to getting there. I really needed to hear that logic last night so I could go to bed and rest easy. Thanks, friend!
Did I mention this is a cut-back, as well? That means I won't be running more than 8 miles at a time this week. I'm not 100% sure I can commit to that, but I'll try.
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| That's it!? And so slow! |
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| NAPIZZA in Little Italy |
Holly had a somewhat traumatic day as I took her to the groomer, her least favorite place besides the vet.
From Scruff:
To Chic:
She was so thrilled to get the heck out of the groomer's shop!
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| free at last!! |
Do you take cut-back weeks?
If so, how many miles do you run during these weeks?
Do you find that the more you run,
the more you want to run?
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Planned rest days are okay, it's forced rest days that are rough for me. I have arthritis and I get flare-ups, it's soooooo frustrating. Because the only cure is rest. Boo. So take the planned rest, its good :)
ReplyDeleteForced rest days are rough! I must embrace the rest. How often do you get flare-ups? That does sound frustrating!
DeleteI think we're using almost identical training schedules :) I think mine's about 10% less mileage or so though. T-minus 10 weeks!
ReplyDeleteEEK! Are your runs as painfully slow as mine, though?
DeleteOh, I agree! I look forward to my running days WAY more than my non-running days. However, I know strength training and Yoga are both important aspects of training, so I don't mind my rest days as much.
ReplyDeleteI should have done some yoga! That would have solved the problem. DUH!
DeleteDefinitely find the more I run the more I want to run and the less I run, the less I want to run! It is really surprising how quickly you can get used to lower or higher volume.
ReplyDeleteI usually do cut back weeks but the plan I've been following doesn't have them as often as I used to do (used to do 1 every 4 weeks). Due to scheduling conflicts, I've noticed that in general I do have at least least one of every four weeks with lower mileage regardless.
6 weeks ago I started the RW 1st plan which calls for only three days of running and 2 cross training, I found that I missed running so much, I had to modify the plan and throw in two easy trails runs. Isn't our sport glorious?! I love my fellow runners, insta bond. #SistersInSport
ReplyDeleteOur sport is absolutely glorious! I love it!
DeleteI am supposed to run 4x a week but I often cut one run a little short and throw in a nice easy, short 5th day just because I need it!
Your friend is very wise. Listen to her and do what she says! I no longer have issues with rest or cut-backs. I might do a little cross-training if the jones is that great, but no running outside of the plan – ever.
ReplyDeleteGood girl!! So obedient!
DeleteYES, TAKE YOUR REST DAYS! I need you healthy for Newport. :)
ReplyDeleteI am also on a cutback week but my confidence is faltering a little since everyone else is running these long distances and my longest run this cycle has only been 15 (and this weekend it will be 13). I was supposed to run 10 yesterday and wanted to sneak in an extra 2 miles. BUT, I know how important cutback weeks are and limited myself to just 10.
Absolutely love Holly!
Kristen! Are you crazy? I am freaking out because everyone's mileage is so much higher than mine. I decided I am only running ONE 20 miler before Boston. Does that make you feel better? Since Newport is my "A" race, there is no use in risking injury. :) Your training has been amazing! You should feel very confident!
DeleteOh my. I can understand the cut-back in milage, but that pace would kill me. I'm not even a fast runner and I like to feel that I am pushing the pace at least some of the time. I also feel that once I do one type of workout (hills, tempo, speed, etc.) I start thinking about the next time I do it and I can't wait. Then, once a week has past and it is time for me to go back to the track, I dread it. So I totally get what you are saying!
ReplyDeleteI totally know what you mean about the running and wanting to run more. That definitely happened last fall. Now that I've had to take time off due to an injury I'm finding it even harder to get back into it. The less I run, the less I want to run. It's a bad cycle! I can't wait to get back to the point you're at! But your friend is right, rest days are necessary in order to keep running!
ReplyDeleteLast training cycle I had a really hard time with the rest days, but my friend (who was coaching me at the time) kept reminding me that the rest days are when you get strong! It helped to think of them as "rebuild" days rather than rest... it made me feel like I was still actively training ;) Holly is adorable! I'm so glad my big mutt has short hair, he'd FREAK if he had to go to the groomers!
ReplyDeleteYes- when I run then I want to run more. But, the flip-side is also true. When I'm not running, there is a period of a couple of weeks that I just want to run, run, run and grieve that I can't run. Then, after those initial couple of weeks, I don't want to run and somewhat "forget" what all the hype is about.
ReplyDelete"That means I won't be running more than 8 miles at a time this week. I'm not 100% sure I can commit to that, but I'll try."
ReplyDeleteRemember cut back and taper are there to train you mentally. This is when you get to practice doubting your training and doubting your plan, just like you will at some point during the marathon. So, if you can't stick to your plan you can plan to either be injured or lose the mental race on race day. Your choice.
Your friend Amanda sounds super wise and hot, you should listen to her.
Love your blog! I just discovered it the other day! I feel the exact same way- the more I run the less I want to rest!
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Rest days are hard when running is going well - but that's exactly when you need to keep taking them. What training plan are you using? It seems to be working for you if you're feeling so strong - keep some juice in the box because you're not there yet.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh - your dog is so cute!