Three weeks ago, I started my training for a 10K race I signed up for in May. The first week, I hit the ground running, literally, and completed each day of training exactly as the plan specified.
As a way to keep me motivated, I have the training plan taped to my refrigerator and I check off each workout as I complete it. Look at how nice and neat that first week looks with all the check marks.
By the second week, however, I realized that fitting in each workout wasn’t always going to be easy. I have to coordinate my runs with Tim’s irregular work schedule, Luke’s feeding schedule, and our family meals. I learned that I might not fit in every single run each week and sometimes I have to modify the plan.
I have to be honest, the last three weeks have really kicked my butt. It isn’t the training itself that’s been especially hard, it’s life in general and trying to fit everything in. Managing to run five days and cross train one day a week on top of all of my other responsibilities has been a challenge. Some days I feel like I have to put “breathe in, breathe out” on my t0-do list as a reminder to take the time to breathe.
Last Saturday, I had my longest run to date of six miles. I felt great running it and the run itself went well. That evening, however, I hit a wall. Extreme exhaustion took over my body and I felt like I don’t remember feeling ever before. That night I developed another clogged milk duct, a sure sign that I was running myself ragged.
As much as I hated to do it, I took the next three days completely off from running and exercising. I knew something had to give, and my body needed some rest. It’s interesting, but the complete exhaustion was not from training too hard or even the running itself, I think it was just a cumulation of everything I’ve been trying to do. I felt like I was spending everyday trying to squeeze two days worth of tasks into one day. It just finally took its toll, emotionally and physically.
I’ve come to accept that I don’t have to run this race super fast. It’s okay if I just run it. Not following the training plan to a T is not the end of the world. It’s hard for me not to put pressure on myself to perform at a level that I think I should. I’m competitive and I know what I’m capable of, yet I have to remember the stage of life I’m in will only allow me to do so much.
After saying all of that, I can tell you that I’ve loved training for a race again. Even though I wish I had more time and energy to devote to it, the time I’ve spent running has been great. My pace is gradually getting faster (I’m averaging between 9:15 and 9:30 miles whereas when I started I was running around 10:15 miles) and feeling easier.
I’ve done some tempo runs, where you gradually build to near 5K race pace and hold that pace for a few minutes. I have no idea what my 5K pace is right now, so I’ve just gone with what felt challenging, but not so hard that it was going to kill me. On these runs I’ve been able to build to a 7:45-8:00 minute mile pace. I did one speed workout of repeat 400s, which was hard. I did it on the road and realized that doing speed work is much better in a group. One day maybe I’ll have the time and freedom to join a running club so I’ll have some training partners.
I have another four weeks until the race, and my goal is to maintain the training I’ve been doing and complete the race. Maybe next year at this time I’ll be in a better position to worry about times. For now, just running has to be enough.
Great job on listening to your body and mind and adjusting when needed! You will have a great race 🙂 As for the tempo runs, my running coaches have told me to run at a pace that is “uncomfortably comfortable!” Sounds like you are right there!
You are doing great! You have so much on your plate right now with nursing a baby, which in and of itself is a full time job! Your body is still working extra producing milk, and on less sleep, taking care of a toddler and husband plus every other thing you do around the house.
I am impressed that you are getting in four days a week still! Keep up the great work and just enjoy your race.
Your an awesome Mama!!!
Thanks, Amy. I try to remind myself of those things!
Even if you think you are not getting a lot accomplished, I think you are doing a fantastic job. I remember getting showered was my major accomplishment following the birth of my daughter some days – so you blogging, cooking, exercising and (let’s not forget) mothering (times 2) makes you a super mom! Do the best you can and be proud of yourself and enjoy your runs/race!
Thanks so much, Connie. 🙂
My exercise plans for after my nr 2 has arrived will be working out with a TRX. Hopefully I will be able to squeeze in shorter workouts (30 min) 4-5 days a week and combine that with long walks. But we’ll see how it goes…
I’ve read several studies that suggest one should wait a few months after giving birth before one starts running. I think it both has to do with that ones body is still unstable and that it can be unfomfortable if one is still breast feeding. Just be sure to listen closely to your little body. 🙂
Sounds like a good plan! Shorter workouts are definitely more doable than trying to get long ones in. It’s getting harder and harder for me now that there are more longer runs on my training schedule.
I waited 6 weeks before running, so almost a few months. 🙂 Breastfeeding definitely makes it uncomfortable, but that would be the case with just about any cardio exercise. I make sure I wear good, supportive bras and that helps.
I totally can relate! I was a college athlete as well and also am very competitive. Every time I go out for a run, I think I should be just as fast as I was when I was in college and practicing year round almost everyday. I’ve come to the realization that I need to be realistic. I can’t be Supermom, fantastic wife, friend, homemade food-cooker, speech pathologist, house-perfect domestic goddess, and a super athlete every day (although I wish I could!). Finding a balance is so hard and definitely something I am still working on. There will be a time some day when I will be able to exercise again consistently, but right now it just isn’t possible. Good luck with your training, you should be proud of those six-milers!
Thanks, Kate! If only we had about 36 hours in a day, right? 😉
Simply running that race will be a HUGE accomplishment- I haven’t even ran a 5K race before- in fact I’ve never ran a race so I admire you hugely for doing this. Just crossing the finish line will be glorious!
Thank you, Julie! I know I’ll have fun racing even if I don’t give my most stellar performance.