This weekend I was home in Maryland and had a 10-miler on the schedule for marathon training. Up until now my long runs have been going great. I get into a nice rhythm around a 9-minute pace and typically enjoy the run.
This run, however, was NOT great. I headed out around 8:30am when it was mid-80s but also super humid (81% humidity to be exact). After about 5 strides I could feel it wasn’t going to be a good run. I don’t want to call it a “bad” run because just the act of getting out and running shouldn’t be considered bad. Deciding to stay in bed or laying on the couch- that is bad. Going for run even if you aren’t in the mood, that is a good, strong thing. However, a run can be not-so-good depending on how you feel. Some days are just off, and Friday’s run was off for me. I struggled through the entire run. After 1-mile I was sweatier than I was after 13 miles last weekend; it only got worse from there.
My route took me through my neighborhood and towards Bethesda where I ran around my High School (wanted to check out the changes, it looks totally different from when I was there) and then I headed back. I though the HS was further away than it actually was (only 3 miles!) so once I ran around the building a bit I was only 4 miles in by the time I turned for home. I ran the 4 miles back towards my house, stopped in my driveway to grab a water bottle I placed there pre-run then continued to run 2 more miserable miles.
I try to avoid walking during runs (I’m the type that once I start walking it is very hard to transition back to running) but this one called for a bit of walking. I walk/ran for the last 2 miles of the run which circled around my neighborhood until I finally got home, completely soaked in sweat (lovely!).
I keep reminding myself that it was just an off day and this week will be better and less humid (plus the race is in November, will be much cooler then).
I wanted to share this less-than-stellar running experience because for all the good runs I have, there are these kind also looming around. If you head out for a run and you’re having an off day, it’s ok. Don’t let it get you down. Push yourself, try to get through it and be proud that you made the effort. And remember, we all have off days and tomorrow will be better!
