Going down

I had a really rough week running. School has been quite stressful and I haven't been taking care of myself. I feel like I am strong and full of energy, but can't get through the fatigue on a run.

Rachael and I were scheduled to do our first 18 mile run last weekend. There were wind advisories and it was crazy 24+mph winds from the ESE. We started out on the Puppy Loop and did 2 mile west and then back home for 9 miles. I was so exhausted and whipped like someone ran over me with a truck. I just gave up. I have never given up on a run. I always finish my run! I was so mentally defeated I just couldn't go. I came home, sat on the couch and relaxed with a glass of wine. Rachael finished the last 9 miles. I was proud of her.

Monday I went out to try it again. I had to go at least 10 miles to regain my confidence. I did a 5-mile Puppy Loop and then Bill joined me on a 5-mile Ethanol Loop. That was exactly what I needed! I feel like I can keep going through this marathon training now. It was still windy, but I finished strong!

I had another 9 mile run later in the week to finish the week. I also have tried to incorporate some hip strengthening and glute strengthening this week.

I think I am messed up with my blog because I swear I was blogging Sunday to Saturday, finishing the post on my long run. So, I am posting yesterday's big run here too so it may seem like a long week of mileage.

There were thunderstorms and tornados forecast for this weekend so I wasn't sure how it would go. Like I said I also haven't been taking care of myself and very stressed. This is reaching an all-time high the past couple weeks so I am truly pushing my physical, emotional, and mental limits of this training. Again, there were wind advisories with 20+mph wind gusts. I ran to Ellsworth and back for 8 miles and then I thought if I did the south and north loop that would be the last 10 miles. By the time I got back to town I was quite beat. I did an extra mile in town for 9 miles and then stopped at home for a refill of fluids. Bill finished the last 9 miles with me. I about another 2-3 miles and had to stop. I was just so exhausted, but I. was. going. to. finish. this. run!! We walked a lot and I was getting some pain in my chest, but I'm sure it was just anxiety, stress, and fatigue setting in. I did finish the 18 miles, but wished I was able to run the whole thing. I still haven't run a complete 18 miles. That is really getting me down and I feel like I am spiraling downward and won't be able to do Grandma's this summer. I need to get out of my slump. I am hoping for calmer weather to give me a boost of confidence this next week.

Weekly training mileage: 42 miles

Here's to trying again this week...