Good morning loves,
I am happy to report that I’ve learned yet another invaluable lesson during my 7 km run yesterday. But before I jump to that, here is my Week 6 training schedule of half-marathon training:
Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – 30-40 minutes of cross training: HIIT
Wednesday – 4 miles + kettlebell toning
Thursday – 40-50 minutes of cross training: booty + cardio
Friday – rest day
Saturday – 8 miles
Sunday – rest day
*Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5*
So a very interesting thing happened to me yesterday. You may or may not have read my previous post on how running makes us happy, but happiness makes us better runners. I tried my very best to be positive about the run, but it was such a struggle. Nothing hurt, but I had a full blown mental battle with myself, despite trying to keep my chin up and think happy thoughts. So what happened, you say?
I think the best way to put it is: I got caught in a web of self-doubt.
You see, it’s been a very long time since I ran a distance of 10 km and more (apart from Week 3 and 4 of my training). My runs got much shorter since I got pregnant in fall 2014. Something happened to my bladder throughout my pregnancy and I could barely stay on a treadmill for 15-20 minutes before dashing to a ladies room. *Pregger problems! Haha!*
For some strange reason, something snapped when I saw that this week’s long run is a grand total of 8 miles. Toxic thoughts invaded my mind. I mean, I’m training for a half, so this distance is definitely not a surprise. I ran much longer distances in the past. But all of a sudden I got intimidated and mental games began. As I was running, all I kept thinking about was how am I gonna do that long run. And as many of you know, it is not a good place for any runner or any fitness enthusiast for that matter to question their own abilities.
Good news, it is reversible! *Haha!*
It is so sooooo important to focus on one workout at a time and not to get too much ahead of ourselves. Just like in our daily lives, in order to be efficient and not to get overwhelmed, we must prioritize our to-do list. First things first. The same goes for running. Not only our ‘present’ workout will be more effective, but also there is absolutely no reason why we should psych ourselves out of the challenge that lies ahead. Tackle it one day, one workout at a time.
Has ever self-doubt affected your workouts? How do you avoid psyching yourself out before a long run?
Missed some of my most recent posts that created great discussions among my fellow bloggers? Here is your chance to catch up:
- How Running Makes Us Happy, But Happiness Makes Us Better Runners
- Running Wisdom: be kind, be YOU, your health journey is what YOU make of it.
- Should You Run With Or Without Music? Chime in the ongoing conversation!
- 5 Running Must Haves: What are your running necessities?
- 5 Pieces of Advice You Need for Your First Half Marathon from Coach Suz: Do you have any advice to share with new runners?
- How Yoga Has Helped My Running Game: Any other runner-yogis out there?
- Running With a Dog: From bare basics to a training plan for your four-legged friend to spring into action.
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xoxo
Olena
candies & crunches 