So, this is about my latest plateau. I just posted this in a thread at Runningahead...
I think I've hit a running plateau as of late. I feel more fatigued, I can't keep my +30-60 second marathon pace for as long as I could in the past, I'm not having as much fun, and I find it a struggle to get out and run.
There are a few things that may have played a part in this plateauing...
- I recently moved from 500 feet in elevation to 4,200. Not only do I have this altitude change, but the wind blows CONSTANTLY and the first mile out of my house has a 300 ft. elevation increase.
- I gave blood three weeks ago before the move.
- I lost my training partner and have been running alone the past three weeks.
- My headphone wires keep getting caught in the wind and my camelbak, resulting in me having to adjust my headphones constantly. I may have to quit running with music.
- I went from a pretty sedentary job (grad research) to a vigorous job (ranching, thus lots of physical labor, and the hours are long).
- I've started to lift weights.
- I run/lift after work.
Does anyone have any suggestions about how to bust through this? You can take a look at my log. I have a marathon on August 1st and am trying to get in a lot of 50-70 mile weeks the next few weeks.
Thanks!!
4 comments:
run in the morning. short stuff. every other day, until you get use to the elevation. find a club to get in a weekend run. try some trails. mix it up.
First of all, I'd like to point out that you didn't "lose" your running partner... rather you LEFT your running partner. Semantics :)
Personally, I dont think you should be worried too much about pace, particularly with all the other issues... the elevation, the wind, etc.
All that said... I think it's a question of whether or not its a physical plateau or a mental plateau. Because, the solution is different depending on which it is...
An alumni of MTSU (who just won the SunBelt championship in baseball), I find it necessary to let you know that Vandy is going down in the NCAA tournament this weekend. :) Actually, I'm not really that into college baseball. My sister's boy is on the MTSU team, so I have to be a little biased. Haha.
Also, I met Amy volunteering at a race this weekend. She rocks. I might steal her as a training partner. Haha.
I'm going to ignore that comment until the SunBelt 'Conference' gets some real schools (Idaho? Do they have a baseball program?).
but, I will say, with somewhat certainty, that if Travis Minor pitches, the game is over right now.
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