Some Runs are Awful
Welcome,
Hopefully, you are having a nice long weekend this Memorial Day. Don't forget the meaning of Memorial Day. Memorial Day honors those military members who have fallen while in the line of duty. (Veterans Day honors all military and is a more “happy” holiday).
Many people who read the newsletter aren't "connected" to the military, but I encourage you not to use the phrase "Happy Memorial Day." As we remember those fallen, it's not a "happy" holiday. For some, saying Happy Memorial Day can be triggering.
Anyway, I didn't plan to go into that, but it flowed out, and I couldn't press send without it.
What have I done this weekend? Although I ran a 5k on Thursday, it feels "weird" not to have raced this weekend. I couldn’t really find anything that interested me. My husband and I climbed our 3rd Southern California peak, San Jacinto, and made a trip to Joshua Tree Park. Truthfully, since our climate, a couple of hours away is similar to Joshua Tree Park, I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did.
Finally, to the newsletter and bad runs:
We all have bad runs or races. It happens. That was me last week at Carlsbad. It's not a secret that I'm also getting over the flu, and honestly, that illness took a lot more out of me than I ever imagined. I say that not to whine or complain but to speak my truth. That wasn't the only "reason" the race just didn't go well, and truthfully I never felt good from the start. I turned my attention from running fast to just finishing.
Social media makes people feel like they need to "live perfectly." No one shares 100% of their lives, and every single person goes through struggles. It's ok. It's life.
Life the last month has felt overwhelming to me: I'm busy getting ready for a new job, we've had our fair share of car issues and the flu, and honestly, I just feel overwhelmed. I can say this isn't "my favorite" or the "best" month.
While this newsletter is mostly about bad runs and races, bad patches can be applied to most anything.
As runners, we are going to have awful races. There has to be the best race, and there has to be the worst race. Then we have a bunch of races that fall in the middle. It's just the truth.
All of that rambling to say, we all go through bad runs and races. It's natural and part of the sport. You can't judge yourself by your worst days. No one sits around comparing personal worsts, but we will sit around and talk about personal bests. Even Molly Seidel just recapped her bad day at Boston.
So How Can You Get Over a Bad Race?
Recover:
Obviously, a lousy 5k will be different from a lousy marathon (or longer), and recovery looks different too. Don't seek redemption the next day by trying to run all out again. Allow your body to recover before attempting to train or race another marathon.
Figure out what went wrong:
When you have a bad race, figure out what went wrong. It isn't about sinking into a negativity vortex or being dramatic but figuring out the why.
Did you take the race out too fast?
Was your goal unrealistic? This might be the hardest thing to address but ask yourself: was your goal realistic, or do you need to change it?
Are you sleeping enough and getting quality nutrition? Were you hydrated? Did you fuel enough?
Are you running too much? Were you overcooked going into the race? Did your legs not feel recovered?
Was the weather a factor? We can't pretend we are running the same paces in 80 degrees as 40 or snow, ice, wind, or high humidity.
Was something else a factor?
Remember why you started running:
We run for fun! It can be easy to get caught up in the pace, distance, or mileage. Many of us started running for mental, physical, or social races. Not to beat ourselves up over a few seconds at a race.
Write it out or share your challenging races:
Bad races happen to everyone, from new runners to veterans and seasoned runners. You'll be surprised at how many people will be able to relate to having a bad race. You aren't alone. Plus, maybe you'll learn from someone, and they'll learn from you! Take time to remember, that you get to run; you don't have to!
Run with friends:
Why does that help? Running with friends reminds us that running is supposed to be fun! Instead of getting lost in your thoughts and obsessing over your race, talk to friends, and embrace the social component.
Look at your Running goals:
Sometimes our goals aren't realistic, and we need to address them. Ask yourself: was this a smart goal for me? If you're running a 3:30 marathon and now want to run 2:45...most of the time, that isn't realistic. Make sure your goal is realistic for you; otherwise, you're setting yourself up for failure.
Change your running goals:
This could mean several things. Change your time goals to something more realistic. Or change what you are training for your goals.
Maybe you've always been a 5ker and now want to train for a half marathon.
Or maybe you've also run marathons and now want to train for 5ks.
Or maybe you want to do something completely different and trail for a trail race.
Changing your goals doesn't mean you failed, it only means your interests have changed.
Do you need a break?
Ask yourself, do I need a running break and be realistic about it. If running feels like a chore most days, then yes you might need a break.
Stay positive:
The hardest part of the whole journey. Staying positive and not dwelling on the past is one of the best things you can do for yourself. There are always bright sides to runs, even if it doesn't feel like it. Did you finish the race? Are you healthy? At the end of the day, I always say it's "just running," but often, that doesn't make it any easier. Stay positive and look towards the next goal versus looking behind at a lousy race.
What is keeping me entertained?
Hoka Ora Recovery Flip Flop Review
Carlsbad 5000 Race Recap (21:42)
Hyland’s Leg Cramp Tablet Review
Watch Women's 10,000 meters USTAF Championship
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