Thank you all for your sweet messages on yesterday’s post. It was a low key day, but perfect! I actually had a lot of work to catch up on and we had some work being done on the house, so we ended up just having a nice dinner out together.
Tuesday I had a pretty tough workout to do.
1 mile warm up
8 x 400 meters (400 rest in between each) – 2 sets
6 minutes recovery between sets
1 mile cool down
In total I was supposed to complete 16 400s. It was overwhelming for me just to look at. I wasn’t really in the mood to head to the track, so I found a 0.25 straight away that was about a mile away from our house.
The first 8 went pretty well. I was hot and tired, but that is expected during a workout. Instead of jogging for the 6 minutes between sets I stopped, got some water and walked. I knew that wouldn’t make or break me.
I started the second set and could tell pretty quickly I was running out of steam. I finished 15 and could tell my pace had dropped 20-30 seconds on the last 2 I had done. Then I quit. Workouts are great things, but if you are dying that quickly then at that point it isn’t really doing you any good anymore.
The break down of my workout after I had plugged it into TrainingPeaks.
I finished up by running back home and then stretching and foam rolling for quite some time. I was worn out.
We headed to have a wonderful family dinner with my family that night. These are the nights I am so thankful to be within driving distance of both our families. We had dinner, laughed and just enjoyed the evening.
It was well worth getting back way too late and not getting enough sleep.
Wednesday morning I woke up to do a 7 mile easy run. We headed over to our normal workout area so that Wes could get in a workout. Right near there is a great trail that runs alongside the river, so I decided to run there while he completed his work out.
The trail was wonderful. It was flat, out and back and really was an effortless run. Except – my body was just not having it. I really should say my legs were just not having it. It was one of those days where your legs never get the memo that they are supposed to be running.
Instead of a steady run I stopped 2-3 times, stretched, got water and just decided to take my time on the run. It wasn’t even worth it at that point so I just wanted to take it slow. I walked the last little bit.
Runs the day after a tough workout can be tricky. Sometimes your body will surprise you and be fresh and ready to go. Other days it will feel like you are running with “led legs” as I like to call them.
Hard workouts take a lot out of your body and this run doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. I mentally just decided to take it easy, break it up and try to relax. That was what became most important on yesterday’s run.
Have you ever had a day where your legs never got into it?
What is the hardest workout you’ve ever attempted?.
Yessss, I have definitely had those dragging legs. It’s no fun, but we just have to listen to our bodies!
Glad to know I’m not the only one!
Wow, I can’t believe you did SIXTEEN 400s! My speed workout this week was just eight, and that was tough! Way to go!
And yes, the day after my speed workouts, or even some days just after a mentally tough run, I struggle through the next day. I probably experience lead legs at least once a week. No fun.
It as TOUGH! Great job on your speed work! I am wrapping up my 10k training so this is a workout that is considered a “race determining” workout
This is a serious workout! But yes totally sometimes i never fully get into workout- usually with swim though. Hardest run workout is 200’s for me.
Swim workouts are intense!!
WOW – good for you – 16 400s is quite a task. Happy Belated Anniversary! I am so glad you are taking this training in stride. Great job!
Thank you! 🙂 Sometimes with the heat and doing hard workouts you just have to learn to cut yourself a break sometimes!
My legs have been struggling this week! It’s such a bad feeling…I try to remember that it’s not permanent 🙂
Yes very true! Today’s run went SO much better thankfully!
Yup my run this morning was definitely one that I felt like I had “led legs”! And I’m not sure why, since I haven’t run “hard” in about a week…but I think its a whole bunch of different things. I took my time and walked when I felt like it. Hopefully tomorrow they will feel fresher!
Some days we just have tough days! 🙂
7 miles the days after a workout like that seems like a lot! Workouts and races are tough, I’m not always smart about taking it really easy afterwards but those are also the times I pay for it the following days. I know that lead leg feeling too well lately both with the heat and dragging after being sick.
Thankfully today’s run was a lot better! Just a tough day in tough heat. Feeling better now! Looking forward to my rest day tomorrow.
Everything has to align to have a perfect run! Right weather, right workout gear, right amount of sleep, good nutrition…So frustrating when it doesn’t go to plan!
Very true Mary!
OH yes, and usually, if my legs aren’t feelin’ it, the run’s over for me! Sad, sad truth!
Sometimes that is how it goes!
Yes, on the second run after a race my legs always feel dead! I can’t imagine doing 14 400s…great job!
Thank you!!
My legs have been dragging all week!
So important to balance it out! I’m having a hard time just getting myself out the door today since I could just as easily take a rest day, but I know once I do, I’ll feel better.
You’ve got this!! You’ll feel so much better after!