When I put together my half marathon training plan, I tried to keep it in a format that allowed for a lot of flexibility. I knew I wanted two runs during the week and a long run on the weekend. I knew I wanted to incorporate lots of swimming and yoga. But I didn’t want to fall into the trap of trying to predict how I’d be feeling for 11 weeks.
Yesterday, my legs were super tight so I flip-flopped my planned runs for the week. I had a 5 mile tempo scheduled for Tuesday and and easy 3 scheduled for Thursday. I did the easy 3 and my legs felt awful – not injured just exhausted. I hit up a yoga class last night and they feel a lot better but today they’re still so tired and tight. I’m hoping to get a swim in tonight (which depends on how late I’m at work) to loosen them up even more but I’m still not sure about doing 5 miles tomorrow.
So here’s my question to anyone reading – now that I’m less than two weeks out from my race, I have 4 more runs left on my calendar (the 5 mile tempo, this weekend’s easy/slow 8 miles, and then two nice easy short 2-3 milers next week) - do I do the tempo? This late in the game, would it make a difference if I did 45 minutes on the bike tomorrow so I could have a no impact workout? Normally this decision would be a no-brainer but this close to the race, I’m starting to doubt simple decisions. Every sore muscle feels like an imminent injury that’s going to knock me out right before my race. I know I’m being irrational, I had an amazing 10 miler this weekend, and all I can do is hope that my race is that great.
So help me out, fellow runners. I know most of you have been in this stressed out mindset before!
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You, my dear, are READY for this race. Now that you’re tapering, no skipped run will impact your performance.
I say do the bike, keep the blood flowing in the legs. Heal them up as best as you can, so you can get your final long run in.
Samantha @ Running and Cupcakes recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday: Round 2
I agree with Samantha: If you’re not feeling the tempo, bail to the bike. The hay is in the barn!
Marcia recently posted..Calling All Fashion Police
I agree with Samantha and Marcia 100%. At this point, there’s no sense in forcing a workout. You’ve put in all the time and miles, and now you just need to stay healthy and make it to the start line. Enjoy the taper!
Daphne @ Candy Coated Runner recently posted..Dear Under Armour
If I were in your shoes I would replace the tempo run with something non-impact and less intense – cycling would be perfect. But I usually err on the side of caution the last 2-3 weeks before an event.
Theresa @ActiveEggplant recently posted..Tapering like a Princess
Personally, I’d skip the tempo. I’d say it’s late enough in the game that if your legs are tired, you should listen to them. They’ll thank you on race day
Listen to your body, but no I don’t think missing the tempo will hurt you for the half, I think replacing it with a spin or pool running would be fine.
I’m no expert, seeing as though I haven’t even run a half yet, but I would think that just listening to your body is the best method at this point. Hopefully it knows what it needs to be ready to race!
Emily B. recently posted..A Pleasant Surprise
You’ll be fine without the last tempo run. Just look at your 10 miler! You are ready.
Liz recently posted..Kill the Hills
I think it’s unanimous. At this point, you can do more harm than good. You don’t “need” the tempo, and even that easy run sounds a bit long to me. You really should to run *less* than you want to the week before your race.
Coco recently posted..Check Your Pulse? There’s An App For That!
Agree with all the others… Hop on that bike!! So haapy you had an amazing solo 10 mile run! I’m heading out for my last long run pre RnR tomorrow!
Brigid recently posted..Mr. Huzzah: Friday Five
You are totally ready for your race!! Take it easy, you don’t wanna over do-it before the big day!
Jenna@FitnessAmerica recently posted..Tracking Your Workout