In summary, last week I tapered for a race that didn’t go well. For the last six months, I poured my heart into training, recovering and eating relatively well and didn’t achieve what I wanted. As blunt as that is, it seems to be the theme of the last few months of training. While yes, a 1:26 is a very respectable half marathon time, but it’s not what I trained for or wanted. When you don’t achieve what you train for, it stinks.
But that is a post for another day. Last week I just focused on easy runs and tapering. As far as the actual week of training, it was one of my boring weeks. Tapering should be though. I spent the week without my Garmin and just ran the same 5-7 mile loops that I typically do.
Not worrying about pace this week was fun and I viewed most of my runs as outings versus strenuous runs. They were relaxing, and I enjoyed them. I actually began to feel confident going into the April Fools half marathon that I would be able to turn the lackluster training cycle around. At first, the weather was supposed to pour rain, and then, it just didn’t. It turned out to be a little bit windy but other than that, ideal conditions.
| Monday: | Easy 7 |
| Tuesday: | Easy 7 |
| Wednesday: | Easy 5 |
| Thursday: | Easy 5…was going to do 7 but felt like garbage so didn’t |
| Friday: | Rest |
| Saturday: | Easy 5 |
| Sunday: | Atlantic City Half (1:26.20) |
On Thursday, I was both tired and exhausted so just decided not to do 7. I actually don’t know if I ran 5 at all because I took the shortest route possible home. I do know it was between 4-5.
To Briefly Recap the Atlantic City Half Marathon:
It was supposed to rain but then didn’t. With the exception of wind, the conditions were ideal. I never felt great from the gun. Before the race, I actually thought I might PR, or run well but it didn’t happen. My splits ranged from 6:20-6:50 depending on the wind but the majority were around 6:30. I didn’t meet my A goal (to PR), my B goal (to run under 1:25) but I did meet my C goal of finishing healthy.
What are my plans for next week?
This week, while not ideal for Broad Street I’m taking time off. Maybe I’ll run this week, maybe I won’t. The race as well as where I’m at mentally was a red flag that I do need a few days I need at least a few days off from running.
Questions for you:
How was your week of training?
Have you ever not met a goal during a training cycle?
Ugh. I’m so sorry and I absolutely know how that feels. But, you know you have to have races like this to get to that PR. I have no doubt you will do it when your mind and body are ready! Don’t give up woman!!! Hope you have a better week this week…and me too since I was sick pretty much all last week 🙁
So sorry, Hollie! I have had many half marathons that didn’t go the way I wanted even though I knew I was ready to break through that pr… it took a few years actually, due to poor weather and off days until I had that breakthrough race. Just a few weeks ago I ran a 5k that just didn’t feel good from start to finish and there’s not much you can do when you have days like that except move on. Taking a physical and mental break sounds smart!
Sorry to read it did not go to plan. However, the easier week and then a hard outing will have done you good. Just view it as training for the next one. You’ve done more than the mileage for Broad Street. Rest and maybe do something to turn your legs over at that pace, but don’t worry about the half, treat it as the dress rehearsal.
I’m so sorry the race didn’t go well for you. It sucks when you do everything right and it still doesn’t work out. Good call on taking a mini break. Just a few days off can make a huge difference when you need it.
I’m really sorry the race did not go well for you. I understand how it feels for others to tell you that you ran a “good time” when in reality, it may be faster than average but wasn’t what you trained for and it HURTS! I hope you have a good recovery and find something to take away from the race and learn from, to help you train better for the next one. If nothing else, you’re not injured so you’ll get a second chance soon *hugs*
I hate to hear the race didn’t go well! It seems like you’ve had some frustrating races and training weeks this year, and I know you were hoping great weather might be the ticket to all the pieces finally coming together. Hopefully taking some time off to regroup will help you figure out where to go from here!
One of the reasons I love reading your blog is that you are honest and blunt and never make excuses. I am sorry that the training has been a bit of a miss lately for you. I am SO happy that you are not injured entering the beautiful time of year to be running (for a few weeks anyway until the heat sets in 🙂 ). Sometimes I feel like I need to hit “reset”. .. after Broad Street maybe you could do some local 5Ks. It seems like that gets you happy!
Ugh I feel you. I trained so hard for a goal half back in March and then ran the same time as my current PR (which I had thought I was going to smash). It’s so frustrating to spend months and months, waking up early, sacrificing for your workouts, fantasizing about the race – and then to have it not turn out the way you wanted, well it sucks. Enjoy your break and let your body rest, you’ve earned it.
Sorry to hear Nora! Which race did you run March? Hopefully the summer and fall bring a PR? Do you have any races on your horizon?
Hey Hollie, sorry to hear things didn’t go well. But, don’t get too down about it. Try to figure out if there’s something that you can switch up for next time.
For instance, take a look at your schedule you posted. If you felt bad on Thursday, maybe Friday and Saturday should’ve been rest days no matter what. While may not an ideal taper, you could say to yourself — next time, if I feel poorly on my run 3 days out before race day, I’m resting both days before the half.
Maybe having a contingency plan like that could help next time around. That way, you know it’s a possibility and you don’t need to feel bad if that’s the route your body is telling you to go. For me, I usually don’t run two days before a half. That’s what works for me. Granted, I’m far from your level. But, just wanted to offer my two cents.
Take some much-deserved time off. And get back out there refreshed!
Good luck!
I’m so sorry your race didn’t go the way you wanted it to! It sounds like you are doing everything right to get there and it will come!! Could you do a post about your diet recently?
Sure Ashley! Was there anything specific you wanted to know?
I know you’ve posted WAIW before (I love those!), but did you change anything this training cycle? Thanks Hollie 🙂