Monday, March 23, 2009

Last Day for the Early Bird (Plus new problem)

First, Marci and I just wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow is the last day before the early bird draw for Reese's Run - our Virtual event! We have great prizes like running shoes from Online Shoes, gift cards for restaurants, bootcamp classes, running equipment etc... Make sure you can be part of the early bird draw!




CLICK HERE TO REGISTER (DONATE TO THE ARTHRITIS SOCIETY)


Also, I have a speed problem..Now that I am focused on the 1/2 marathon and really working on improving my time, I have really been working hard on speedwork. However, as soon as I increase my speed during regular runs (even a little) or tempo, I struggle with the run, get sore shins, sore hips - overall crappy runs. As soon as I slow down, my runs improve. Every once in a while I have a fantastic run and then I think I am FINALLY making progress but inevitably I struggle with the next one. Am I destined to be never break 2 hour HM???




17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are you trying to still build distance or are you just working on speed? I found I didn't really start having much speed improvement until I was pretty comfortable at the longer distances. Then I could start adding speedwork. Maybe you could just do a "normal" run and then push yourself in the last half mile or so and slowly build up?

No real advice, 'cause I don't have issues with soreness, but I did have to abort a long run one week 'cause I'd been doing to much speedwork and I had nothing left in me.

Good luck!

Marci said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Felice Devine said...

Where are you working on your speed? I find that tracks are hard on my legs, because of the turns. I like to work on speed on routes that have some smallish hills, to mix up the muscles that are being stressed as I'm going faster. Also, I really like running fast hills because I find that uphills put so much less stress on the legs, but they build endurance and speed well.

Marci said...

I would try to limit 1-2 workouts at a faster speed. Yeah for Reese's run!

Marcy said...

I'm with Marci. Just go for 1 speed work session a week. That shouldn't be too stressful on your bod, right?

Anonymous said...

I don't think I have advice as I don't do speed work.
Good luck with the race.

Marlene said...

I often feel that way too... sometimes it feels like one step forward and two steps back. Don't push yourself too hard... you definitely won't break the 2:00 barrier injured!

teacherwoman said...

We ALL have those kinds of runs... where you can run wonderful for a few days, and then boom, a bad run is thrown in there. It can be frustrating, and I am sorry I don't have any good advice for ya. Just keep your head up and positive thoughts!

RunningLaur said...

This is what has been happening to me too (but at a slower speed). No solutions yet, but I'm thinking that progression runs may do the trick. That way most of the run is at a pace that doesn't injury the body, and once you're really warmed up (like 75-90% of the run) push the pace to test out speed. Not yet tested, but my current thoughts. Good luck!

I'm also planning to sign up for Reeses Run tonight!

Meg said...

I seem to be having the same problem. I have given up on speed work for now, rather focusing on negative splits during my runs. My shins still hurt from speedwork I did last Thursday!

joyRuN said...

I haven't been able to get as much speedwork in as I'd like, so I've been focusing on progressions & negative splits. We'll see if it works.

Good luck!

Rookie on the Run said...

Good luck with your speed run issues. I haven't done any speedwork, yet, so I have no advice for you.

Reese's Run... can't wait! :)

Denise said...

I don't have much advice, sorry. Wish I did. Just listen to your body and back off when it hurts so you don't injure yourself. You'll definitely break the 2 hr mark, keep your head up!

Aron said...

I just do one speedwork session a week... either tempo or speedwork. Good luck!!! You ARE destined to break the 2 hour mark :)

X-Country2 said...

You WILL break the 2 hr mark! I only do serious speed work one day a week. Otherwise my runs increase speed OR distance. Never both, and never two days in a row.

Good luck!

RunnerMom said...

I think you'll get there! I think it just takes time.

With marathon training, I have forgotten what speedwork feels like. All my runs are long and slow. Or medium and slow. Or short and slow.

I'd love to join you in a sub-2 hour HM!

Lindsay said...

girl please - you can do it! focus on each workout and keep the big picture in mind. keep the easy days easy, go all out on your speed day, and don't sell yourself short on a long run! i do 1-2 'speed' days a week myself, never back-to-back of course. and, theoretically, 1 long run a week. that just hasn't really happened since... january... sigh. stay focused and don't kill yourself if it's supposed to be an easy day!