I loved my trail run on Sunday. It was so much fun. What I didn’t love is how much pain was in my leg muscles after that. OUCH!
I ran on Tuesday night with my friends at Fleet Feet, taking it pretty easy for most of the run due to the soreness. My other challenge is that I just haven’t been feeling 100% right this whole year. Just feeling a little dizzy and my mind feels like it’s in a fog. I’ll figure out what’s wrong, but it’s taking a toll on my running.
I didn’t run yesterday but I did do a strength workout with my resistance bands and a nice long yoga practice. The plan was to run today…
But that’s not happening.
I’m just too beat, mentally and physically. I need to take some time to rest and fuel up with healthy foods so that I have the energy to run long this weekend.
I’ve been in a funk, kind of a downer, lately. It’s been a little omni-present since the DNF experience. Just when I think I’m getting past it, the sadness punches me in the face again. When I get sad and stressed, I stop eating right thus I don’t have the energy to carry on with my daily life.
Sigh…
Then I get the people who tell me, “Just run, that’s what you need to get through the stress!”
Nope, tonight I need to chill. I’m not good at listening to my body, but I’m trying hard to tonight.
As my good friend told me today, “It’s okay to be on Team Jill.” So that’s what I’m doing… tonight is for “Team Jill” and I’m resting up.
Jill Will Run 
Hey Jill,
I was feeling the same way right after San Antonio, and I figured out that I was pushing my self too hard. I slowed down a little and enjoyed the run a lot more and felt GREAT.
Try slowing down a little and don’t push so hard.
Hope this helps.
Chad
Chad: Thank you, that does help. I have been pushing myself hard, up to San Antonio and continuing on to Phoenix. I’ve been comparing myself to others who have different racing goals than I do as well. It’s good to be reminded to just run for fun sometimes.
Just follow your body, and you’ll do what’s right with you. I know it’s hard, but try to release the pressure to keep up with your running friends. You are in good shape, you’re a great runner, and you won’t lose any fitness if you “cool it” here and there.
I’ve been struggling with eating lately too and wow it has affected my ability to run. Its difficult because your body is telling you what you already know… you shouldn’t be running if you are low on fuel. *sigh* maybe I should be listening to that advice myself. I hope you find a way out of your funk. Sounds like you are on the right track.
Take care of your body! It might be time to try a new routine or plan for your running to get you remotivated again. Maybe try following a 5km plan just for a change.
definitely chill out and relax if that’s what your body is yelling for! sometimes we all need a few days off to regroup. this is supposed to be something you love/enjoy, not something you dread! take time off, do some cross-training, run super easy, whatever you are in the mood for. you’ll bounce back!
LVGurl, Alissa, Fit Mommy, Lindsay: THANK YOU LADIES! Sometimes I just need these reminders, that sometimes running hard isn’t the best way to take care of your body and that relaxing a little is more restorative!
Definitely listen to your body (and instincts). There is no reason to push yourself when you don’t have to. You really did have a tough road with the two marathons close together.
Hey… maybe a spa day is in order. A massage or something like that always goes a long way in improving my mood.
I hope you get back to your chipper self.
You are so not alone. I have been eating awful food this week and my energy level and even desire to run has been in the toilet. I want to go, I know I should, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. I’m hoping to snap out of it soon too. I have a massage and training scheduled in a week and a half. Hopefully that will help.