Easy Run v. Too Tough Run (Loss)

Okay, so this morning, after reading an old issue of Runner's World magazine, I decided that I needed to change up my running routine.  I decided to throw in an "easy" run to build my confidence and work on a 3:2 breathing technique I started reading about.  

Waking up with my alarm and one three-minute snooze, I was out of bed and starting to get ready.  I ate my breakfast of a cheese stick and 10 almonds, brushed my teeth and once my shoes were on I was out the door.  I set my C25K app for Week One, Day Three.  "This should be easy," I thought to myself.  I will rock the 60-second runs and work on breathing and maybe some speed. 

Time/Weather:

     I was out the door and ready to go before 05:45.  It was a lovely 61ºF. Not too much smoke in the sky and no smell of smoke.  Very light clouds and crisp morning air!

What Didn't Work:

     Today, I didn't work.  I was able to get through about one and a half 60 second running segments on the app.  I walked most of the time and used the excuse that I was working on my breathing. I didn't even have music playing because I legitimately wanted to work on breathing.  But, my body just wasn't feeling it this morning.  I realized that it was my fourth straight day of running with two runs per day. It was tired even though I didn't feel all that tired. My body needed a rest.  So, I decided that I would take the rest of the day as a true rest day. Tomorrow I will try to sneak in some ab/core exercises and some additional stretching.

What Worked:

     I enjoyed the breathing technique and trying to quiet my "Monkey Mind." I will continue to work on breathing.  The magazine I read last night was very informative. I am glad to have some paper copies (donated by Melissa-thanks!) and will continue to get the magazine online through the Yuma Public Library and Zinio.com.  I am sure I will find lots of useful tips in there!

Motivation:

 

     I know that I will get past these hard days. It will be a great story to tell of when I couldn't even run for 60 seconds at a time!  It will get better. I will get stronger.  I will get faster.  I will go farther! I just need to remember to work on those rest days and to not over work myself.  Next week--strength training at the gym and maybe some cycling!