Last Sunday, I was recovering from a cold and had 11 miles on my schedule.
I went into town and ran 4 quick miles then met Judy to run on the nearby rail trail.
It wasn’t cold but it was very cloudy and overcast. Judy had planned to run 8 miles and I decided that I would see how I felt.
So we ran 4 miles downhill and I felt fine.
I love this trail because of all the interesting views.
However, this paved path is uphill on the way back and that always makes it difficult because you are more tired.
But for some reason, I felt great. I ran 12 miles instead of the planned 11 and I could have run even more.
So this past Saturday, I planned run 12 again. It would be my last long run because my half marathon in 2 weeks.
This time, the sun was shining. I chose to run on the Corning Bike Path which is flat. My cold was gone. I had high hopes for this run.
I invited Barbara to run the first 4 miles with me. And she slowed down on my behalf. I enjoyed running with her since we haven’t run together in a while. It was nice to catch up.
However, I felt sluggish from the first step. Did we run at a faster pace than I am used to?? Maybe but it was much slower than my race pace. So it should have been fine.
Judy arrived to run the last 8 miles with me but I continued to run with Barbara for 2 more miles.
Then I dragged myself through the next 6 miles with Judy. I usually run at a faster pace than Judy but not today. If it weren’t for her, I may have quit. My legs felt like cement.
A week ago, I felt like I could run forever. Today, I couldn’t wait to be done.
Sometimes, running is so fickle.
Did I eat too little the day before? Maybe.
Did I eat too many hours before my run? Yes. I was hungry when I started.
Did I run the first 6 miles too fast? Faster, maybe. But I don’t think it was too fast.
Most likely, it just wasn’t my day. It happens with races. Why wouldn’t it happen with runs?
Even with a bad run, I enjoyed having the company. I hope to run with them both next weekend.
Happy Running! Ever have a bad run when it should be a good one?
My First 5K and More... 
Sorry the second 12-miler wasn’t what you hoped. Maybe this means you’ll have a great race since lots of people report crap final long runs and great race results.
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Maybe but this half is just for fun – or the cause. I don’t expect great things because of the hills.
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When I ran Lake George last year, it was totally for fun because of the hills. I didn’t look at my watch at all. But then I ran a sub-1:50 for the first time and surprised the heck out of myself.
Could happen to you too!
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Isn’t it interesting when that happens? Today’s 12 miler just sucked. My legs felt great. I will say that. But my stomach was not having any of it. And then by the end, I was just sucking air. I sure hope i feel better for my half in 2 weeks!
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You will do great.
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I always do the same thing after i struggle with a long run by analyzing my food, sleep etc. At the end of the day, every long run can’t be a great one and I have learned to accept them and move on. And now after having such a crappy race in January, I am learning to accept bad races as well.
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Me too. I’ve had enough bad ones. I just analyze and sign up for another one.
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Oh yes. I’ve had runs where I ate right and did all the right things and then had lead legs or just no motivation to make my self go.
Then I’ve had runs where I wasn’t prepared to run so long, but I felt so good I kept on going.
Even with years of experience, sometimes the body surprises us.
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So unpredictable,
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Running is inexplicable. But you ran 12 miles two weeks in a row, which is pretty incredible in my world, so go you!!!
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Thanks for the vote of confidence.
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ahhhh the ever-fickle relationship with running! some days you can go forever and feel like a rock star; others, you’re off from the first step. we all def experience this! i’m just always thankful that most of my race days are “on” days for me. good for you for pushing through even when it was tough! that’s hard.
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My race days are fickle as well but grateful for being out there …always.
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Isn’t it cool when friends just seem to make runs better! It’s like we can give up on ourself but we can’t let our friends down! Great job to you and great job to Judy for being a great friend!
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