This morning, I had a bad run. And not just a “bad” run…like a really really bad run.
The goal was to run 3 sets of 2 miles at half marathon pace. My PR half pace was right at 7:10 minute per mile, so I have been training towards a 7:00 minute per mile.
When I started my run, I could tell my legs were off. There was nothing fresh about them, which surprised me after coming off an easier week. At first I thought I would work it out during the warm up, but then when it was time to run faster I realized there may not be any “working it out”.
My first two miles were both off pace. A 7:30, and a 7:14. And worst of all – they felt so freaking hard (#twss).
I recovered for a mile then tried it again. The next set was better, as I was on flat ground – 6:56 and 7:04. But they still hurt like hell.
After another mile recovery, I started the final set. Again, it felt like I was dragging weights on my legs. Splits were 7:24 and 7:02.
On my cool down back to my house, I couldn’t help but think about my failed paces on this run. If I was holding myself to a 7min/mile pace, that means I only hit 1 mile out of 6. Not good. And there was no reason why this run should’ve felt this hard.
But instead of getting mad, upset and down, I reminded myself that bad runs happen. We all have them. And we always will. It is part of running, and certainly part of training for any race.
If I didn’t have these awful runs, I wouldn’t ever appreciate it when I had the really great ones.
The runs where every split is 10 seconds ahead of pace and my legs never burn. The runs where I am smiling because I feel so great (yep – I do that).
If every run was easy, I wouldn’t be the runner I am today. Because without the bad, I would never truly appreciate the good.
And after all, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger….right???
Now here is hoping that I get my act (and legs) together for my next hard run!
How do you handle a bad run?
xo,
miles with style 
Great attitude! I try to remind myself of the same thing on bad runs- that they really help you appreciate the good ones 🙂
It’s frustrating when it seems like there’s no reason for the bad run, but what can you do once it’s done? Just let it be & move on!
Bad runs are the worst, but you didn’t quit!!
You’re so right- we can’t have amazing runs ALL the time- it’s just not how life works. I just try to shake it off and remember that I’ve had tough runs in the past, only to come back with even stronger runs.
What was it with Monday?? I had an awful run Monday morning. My legs were HEAVY. I pep talked myself through it. I knew if I didn’t finish, I was going to be upset wih myself. I know I’ll have better runs, but that was a doozie!
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