Running || Trying Something New

Saturday morning I woke up looking forward to my Saturday long run. Happily went through my pre-run routine as usual.The last minute Chad decided he wasn't running. Unexpected but ok. Appreciating the cool weather, I drove to meet a friend with the windows down. And the music loud. 

So what happened? The run was hard. My legs were heavy. No energy. Unmotivated. With the passing of every mile I considered cutting the run short. We ended up running 12 of the 13 miles planned. Also with every mile I was sure it would get better. It didn't.

I decided what happened was training burnout. My body was tired. My body stopped cooperating with my love and determination to run.

My plan? With the Air Force Half on Saturday a.m. and a 5K trail race that night I needed a break. I decided to cut back to 3 days of running with one being the race on Sat and reduce the mileage for the 2 training runs. 

During our 12 miles we came across a new running store. Cool. I went back later that day and found a few new-to-me fun things to try. Nothing major and not for the race on Sat (sticking with what I know for that).

After reading the blog posts of the Nuun Team for Hood to Coast I decided to try it.

New energy chews. I don't typically like the energy chews. Too sweet and they take too long to eat. I grabbed the Honey Stinger simply because of the pink lemonade flavor and they're "all natural". On the way home my kids and I tried them and they're great. Not too sweet and it easy to eat. 

Finally! I bought compression shorts. I've been wanting a pair forever but couldn't find the right fit. Much to my surprise I found them at the new running store and they were 50% off. Sweet! They fit perfectly.

So, that's my plan for training burnout. Decreased mileage, a few distractions, a half marathon and a night trail race. Then, the end stretch to Chicago!

Have you ever experienced what I can only describe as trainging burnout? Have you tried anything new lately?

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And just because I like the quote I leave you with this...

Comments

[Marcia]

You did great things to change things up and give your body a little break from the grind. Yes I have been burned out, in fact I am right now. Taper starts after my long run this weekend. Cannot come soon enough!
I love HS chews!

[jillconyers]

Hi Marcia. I'm sorry you're feeling burned out too but, I'm happy to hear it's not just me. It happens. We deal with it and keep running :)

Enjoy the taper!! Even though tapering has been hard for me in the past I think I'm going to enjoy it this time around.

Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike

[Fancy Nancy]

Ugh! I feel your pain! My running lately has been so much more a mental challenge than a physical one!!! I have a half in a few weeks but I've tried to be more creative with my runs!! Hang in there! You'll be in Chicago soon!!!

[Julia]

totally understand the burnout. i hit it hard just before i left utah. for me all it took was a change of scenery and a break from my normal routine. i LOVE those new compression shorts and am in a search for some of my own! home stretch to chicago...YOU GOT THIS!

[Jennifer]

awesome way to give yourself a break! Great job!! :)

[Elle]

Breaks are good. We are SUPPOSED to be enjoying this, right?

[Lisa J]

i've definitely experienced burnout before.
the only thing that really helps me is either time OR going on a fun run. Grabbing someone to run with and the goal is to get pretty / funny / interesting photos along the way- no worries about the time. Takes my mind of the act of running itself

[Athletes4life]

definitely need to listen to your body! awesome shorts...need to look into this!

[Courtney]

Awesome on the shorts boo on the burnout, but tomorrow is another day and you will do great,because you rock!

Love to hear about the nuun I am thinking about trying some!

[courtney]

i tried the strawberry lemonade nuun and HATE it. i've got some grape to try also, but i'm kinda scared. compression shorts sound like heaven, especially when they're on sale!

hope your burnout passes soon, it happens to all of us i thnk. but you're in the home stretch!

[jillconyers]

Thank you Courtney. The "home stretch" sounds so nice :)

Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike

[jillconyers]

Boo on burnout is right! And it just so happens tomorrow was a better day. And the day after was even better :)

Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike

[jillconyers]

I am listening and it's working :) Thanks!

Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike

[Rosann]

Oh, yes...I too have experienced training burnout. My half marathon is October 15th. It's my first and I've been training for about 3 months now. Lately when I go out to run, I feel like I have to really talk myself into it. Then I start running and my legs feel like they each weigh about 300 pounds. It's been a huge mental struggle for me. The past few weeks the longest run I've been able to push myself to was 6 miles. Prior to that I was up to a little over 10 mile long runs. I can't figure out what my problem is. But I'm not going to give up. That's for sure. I've decided even if I get to race day and only run half of the race...it's Ok if I end up walking the last half. I just need to accomplish it for my own peace of mind. Of course, I'd prefer to just run the whole thing. After all, that's what I set out to do when I signed up for it. I think I might look into the energy chews. Do they really give you energy?

Blessings,
Rosann
*visiting from voiceboks

[Michelle]

I'm not a runner. I admire those of you who are! WooHoo finding the shorts at 50% off. I wouldn't even know the first thing about the energy stuff for races. I've heard about the gels and stuff. But, wouldn't even know when to use them!! Good Luck in your races.
Stopping by from voiceBoks.com members to remember!

[jillconyers]

Hi Michelle and thank you for visiting!

Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike

[jillconyers]

Hi Rosann. Good luck with your first half! How long have you been training? Scaling back on miles or # of days running has worked wonders for me. Feeling the burnout no more! Don't give up. Just like the quote says, “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” Dean Karnazes.

I'm not typically a fan of the energy chews but I love these. I've only tried them on 1 short run so I haven't decided how well they work but they taste great and are a nice break from my usual energy mid-run snack.

Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
I believe no decision should be made while running up hill. ~Nike

[Undercover Dieting]

I'm sorry to hear you're burned out, but glad to hear that you're taking it seriously and cutting back on your running! I hope it will pass soon! :)