Running Tired and Sore

This past week, well in reality, month has been rough as far as running goes. I've been what I feel to be sluggish, lethargic and just flat out uninterested some mornings. This all began end of July after I had packed, moved, and then flown out to New York (Syracuse) with my mother for a family reunion.

I also ran a local 5k in Rome NY (Honor America Days 5k Parade Run).

Came in 4th place in my age group, so close to a little homemade trophy, it's ok though. I didn't go for glory. Went for the experience and fun, which it most definitely was. We ran through downtown Rome, NY. Which is a quaint little town that reminded me of my hometown Leavenworth, KS. The route was also the parade route. The parade started at 10, which was about 30 min after the final runners came in from the race.

As you ran along the race course you had people sitting outside their houses in lawn chairs as well as on their patios and porches watching and cheering as racers, family members and friends ran by. It was awesome. Such a great community, none of whom I knew from Adam.

I enjoyed the easy and flat course and was quite surprised that my pace was really good for me, around 8 min per mile. That's a good race pace for me, steady but not sprinting.

We finally get through to the last stretch, of course you pick up your pace and basically sprint the last few hundred meters. Prior to the race I had been chatting with one of the ladies who helps put this race together. Of course I"m not from there and they don't recognize me or the name. I'm also wearing a KC Royals tank top to represent home. Eventually it gets to that subject and that I'm from Kansas. She looks at me shocked and says, you may just be our first Kansas runner and definitely have come the farthest.

So as I approach the finish line I hear that lady say to their announcer (who seems to know everybody that is crossing the finish line) "That's the girl from Kansas City!" So then I hear this older gentleman announce my presence to the crowd "And here comes the Kansas City Kid!" Made me smile and it was an honor to be announced like that. I should do more small town races. This race had about 250 people, the smallest race I have participated in to date. It was fun though and would definitely do it again should I be back up that way when it's being held.

So, since that time, around July 27 I have been a bit sluggish. The running in NY was fabulous because mornings were in the 60's. It was gorgeous!

I get back home and it's muggy and 90. So back to the early morning runs. But between traveling (Newark airport to NY and Chicago O'Hare back to KC) and moving prior I think my body has finally gotten to the point where it's just tired.

So this week particularly I have struggled to pace under 9 min a mile. Sometimes I will get closer to my desired 8:30 pace but not often. Even my 1 mile sprints have been lacking going from sub 7 to over 8:30.

So what to do? Well ease up, keep going, and not worry about it. Things tend to work themselves out quite well on their own. Don't rush it and when your body aches and screams be sure to be kind and let it relax a little as well as take a much needed rest. Also foam roll those achy legs. Especially when you have done a crazy leg day workout and are sore From Wednesday through the end of the week. (I just want to be able to sit without aching).

All in all, lesson is. We all have days, weeks, months, even sometimes a whole year where our running, workouts, or other activities just aren't quite where they could, should, want them to be. This happens, embrace what you have and keep moving. Just not as hard or as intense necessarily. You have to love your body too, and that sometimes means rest - unadulterated do nothing kind of rest. (Yes I hate those kinds of rest days too but they are necessary on occasion.)

So tomorrow I rest, not a complete lazy rest day but I will not be running and I will stay active through spending time with my favorite guy.