Running blahs :P

Urban Ninja Video

Not really sure what my deal is...I ran a PR for a 1/2 marathon at Sauvie on the 4th and was under my marathon race pace. The race felt great and my legs strong except for the first two miles in which my knee was giving me trouble. Once I warmed up, however, no problems.

That weekend I ran an 18-miler, although quite slow at 12 min./mile. I felt fine that day and was even a little frustrated with the slow pace of the group. Ever since, though, my legs have been tired but even worse, I just have a bad attitude about running. It's not that I dread my runs but I'm quite ambivalent about them and don't look forward to them like I usually do. It didn't help this past weekend that on my 16-miler I crashed at the 2-hour mark and walked a bit. Thank goodness I run with nice people who waited up ahead for me to make sure I'd pull through. After a couple minutes walking, I decided, since I still had 3 miles left, that I might as well run and get it over with. Thank you Mariko and Kenny for making sure I didn't find my own spot under the Hawthorne Bridge and just curl up and sleep!

So, that leaves me with the key question: How Do I Get My MOJO Back???

I ran the day after the long run with a friend, just a short, slow run but really struggled through it. I had even tried listening to my running songs--Running Down the Dream, Chariots of Fire, Go the Distance, etc...but to no avail. The new plan is to take 2 days in a row off and pray that my legs rest enough to move faster on the next run, which, of course, will make me feel like I'm progressing. Since the Marathon is only 3 months away, I have quite a bit of work to do and could use some enthusiasm.

Suggestions are welcome!

Chair Exerciser, the running alternative